SLAUW

Statement by the President of the Sierra Leone Association of University Women on the Commemoration of International Women’s Day.

Today, the Sierra Leone Association of University Women (SLAUW) joins the global community in celebrating International Women's Day, under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”. IWD is a day dedicated to the accomplishments, perseverance, and important contributions of women and girls all over the world.

While we honour the outstanding advancements women have made in science, education, leadership, business, and community development on this significant occasion, however, we also recognise that there are still big obstacles to overcome. Many women and girls in Sierra Leone and elsewhere continue to encounter obstacles in their pursuit of high-quality education, employment prospects, leadership roles, and safety from gender-based violence.

SLAUW, an organisation of professional and educated women, is steadfastly dedicated to uplifting women and girls via leadership development, advocacy, mentoring, and education. Education remains one of the most effective ways to change people's lives, lessen inequality, and create an inclusive, sustainable society.

This year, as we commemorate IWD, we call on everyone—government institutions, civil society, academia, development partners, and the private sector—to work together more effectively to advance gender equality and women's empowerment. When women thrive, families prosper, communities grow, and nations become stronger. SLAUW reaffirms our commitment to supporting mentorship and leadership opportunities for women, and to strengthening networks of professional women to drive national development.

I, therefore, encourage all members of the Sierra Leone Association of University Women to stay active, united, and purposeful in our efforts to promote the rights, dignity, and advancement of women and girls. Let us use this day not just to celebrate accomplishments, but also to reinforce our commitment to creating a more equal and inclusive Sierra Leone in which every woman and girl can reach her full potential.

Happy International Women’s Day.

Mariatu Abionor Swaray
President
Sierra Leone Association of University Women

Hearty Congratulations and very best wishes from SLAUW to our new President Mariatu Abionor Swaray (Mrs) and her executive team! 🎊 👏 💐
We are most grateful that you have accepted to lead our 50 year old organization into the future.
So excited at what lies ahead 🙏
Nyanda Samba Theresa Ojong Cecilia Browne

We remember the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize, the first individual to be awarded two Nobel Prizes and still today the only individual with two Nobel Prizes in two different scientific categories: Marie Skłodowska Curie.

Curie was born in 1867.

Graduate Women International - GWI

We remember the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize, the first individual to be awarded two Nobel Prizes and still today the only individual with two Nobel Prizes in two different scientific categories: Marie Skłodowska Curie.

Curie was born in 1867.

Sadly, issues that are common to our West African nations.

Poverty remains one of the biggest barriers to girls’ education in Ghana, especially in rural areas where families often struggle to afford the indirect costs of schooling such as uniforms, transportation, and learning materials. These financial pressures frequently force girls to drop out or never enroll at all, limiting their opportunities for the future.

Source: https://www.unicef.org/ghana/girls-education

Positive results when African women work together for progress

March 8, 2025
Happy Women's Day!