In a powerful and poignant message delivered on International Women’s Day 2026, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, aspirant of the All People’s Congress (APC) Party, encapsulated the very essence of his vision for our nation with a simple, profound truth: ‘When Women Rise, nations rise with them.’
This statement, shared on a day dedicated to celebrating the strength and resilience of women, is far more than a ceremonial greeting. It is a declaration of principle. It is a promise. It is a glimpse into the heart of a leader who understands that the progress of Sierra Leone is inseparable from the progress of its women.
For too long, the narrative has been one of women as beneficiaries of development. Dr. Bangura’s vision reframes this entirely, positioning women as the primary drivers of national transformation. He sees the mother, who is also a small-scale farmer, not just as a provider for her family, but as a critical pillar of the country’s food security drive. He sees the female entrepreneur in the market, not just as a trader, but as an engine of our local economy. He sees the girl child fighting to stay in school, not just as a student, but as the future doctor, engineer, and leader our nation desperately needs.
Dr. Bangura’s focus on women is not merely a campaign talking point or a rhetori. It is a strategic imperative for national development. His commitment, as an aspirant for the APC, is to build a Sierra Leone where every woman and girl has the opportunity to rise and, in doing so, lift our entire nation.
This commitment translates into a platform built on action.
● Economic Empowerment: Dr. Bangura will champion policies that will provide women with direct access to capital, land, and markets. By strengthening market women’s associations and providing micro-grants and skills training, he will unlock the immense entrepreneurial potential that lies within our female population.
● Education for the Girl Child: Dr. Bangura believes that an educated girl is a nation’s greatest asset. His administration will prioritize keeping girls in school, removing barriers like financial constraints and cultural biases, and ensuring they have a safe and supportive environment to learn and thrive.
● Healthcare and Protection: A nation cannot rise if its women are not healthy and safe. Dr. Bangura is committed to improving maternal healthcare, combating gender-based violence through stricter laws and support systems, and ensuring that the voices of women are heard and protected.
● Leadership and Representation: True progress requires women at the decision-making table. Dr. Bangura will actively promote and support women’s leadership within the APC and in all spheres of public life, ensuring that the policies shaping the nation’s future are crafted with the insights and experiences of the women who live them every day.
Dr. Ibrahim Bangura’s message on International Women’s Day is a call to action for all women. It is a poignant reminder that we cannot build a prosperous Sierra Leone by leaving half of our population behind. When we invest in a woman, we invest in a family. When we empower a woman, we empower a community. And when we ensure that all women rise, we guarantee that Sierra Leone will rise with them.
As we look towards the future, Dr. Bangura offers not just hope, but a concrete plan to build a nation where every citizen, regardless of gender, has the chance to contribute to and share in our collective prosperity. It is a vision of a new Sierra Leone, built on the strength of its women, and led by a man who believes in their power.
*Dr. Ibrahim Bangura: A New APC for a Rising Sierra Leone.
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