By Amadu Daramy in Maryland, USA
The first Caribbean American and also first female Mayor of New Carrolton, the Prince George’s County, Maryland, has described the Mandingo women as resilient.
Mayor Phelecia E. Nembhard made the statement at the cultural dance and fundraising organized by the North America Mandingo Women’s Association (NAMWA) on 27th September 2025 at the MARTINS CROSSWINDS in Maryland, USA with the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Bio as the Special Guest of Honor.
Mayor Phelecia E. Newbhard said she was thrilled to attend the event, that she can’t find words to express herself enlightening that research indicates that Mandingo women are resilient, that they cannot be easily brought down and that the men too can do great things.
She further commended Sierra Leonean women, especially those in the health sector, for their exemplary performance, selflessness, dedication to duty, high sense of discipline and for contributing immensely to the economy of New Carrolton, the Prince George’s County, Maryland that has become their second home intimating that this is not the first meeting they are having with the First Lady.
In her statement, the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Bio disclosed that if there is reincarnation, she would want to be born again as a Mandingo, wondered how the world would have been without the Mandingo tribe that is none like it and that she is looking forward to one Mandingo event next year.
According to the First Lady, anything women touch turns to gold, that she feels safe with her people to celebrate their exclusive culture asserting that they touch and transform lives, that the leadership of NAMWA is vibrant, that she is the 121 member of the organization and urged them to continue offering prayers that would go a long way to protect her promising to do her best to attend NAMWA events as long as she is in the States.
Dr. Fatima Bio further underscored, “let’s continue to stay stronger as unity can move mountains. This is a reflection of the President’s vision of women’s empowerment and gender equality.”
The Presidential Lead on Energy, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella disclosed that he worked for the UN for 20 years, that the event is a sea of colors, that he spies on every Mandingo event he attends, that he is happy to be at the event, that Mandingo history and culture matters, that it’s a big relief for Sierra Leoneans as the country has just mobilized 2.2 billion dollars and a total of almost 3 billion dollars in three years to support the energy sector which he stressed is a record and also acclaimed the First Lady for her inspirational work that is creating impact among girls and women in the country.
According to Dr. Kandeh, with President Julius Maada Bio, Sierra Leone would be transformed.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Kabbah, revealed that the initiative of the NAMWA aligns with the President’s vision to empower women, that they are proud of their Mandingo/Fullah heritage, that they are renowned for compassion and accepting all tribes and making the best out of every community they live noting that 40% of Mendes are Mandingos and that other tribes, especially from Northern Sierra Leone, originate from Mandingos.
He reiterated that NAMWA is a reflection of the President’s vision for women’s empowerment and gender equality.
Former First Lady and Presidential Adviser on Gender Affairs, Mrs. Isata Jabbie Kabbah noted that she is delighted that the Mandingos have resolved their differences overcoming one big huddle, asserted that they are one big and firmly united family with love and beautiful women reiterating that all the Mandingo groups are now one firmly united family.
She furthered that Mandingos are different from many other tribes as they are unique and urged all, “let’s continue to be together” underscoring, “irrespective of what has happened, we have settled our differences to help the poor girls and women in Sierra Leone.”
Mrs. Kabbah also revealed that Dr. Fatima Bio has won three global awards for working relentlessly and selflessly for girls and women in Sierra Leone citing her Hands Off Our Girls Campaign, disclosed that unlike in the past when young girls got wedded at a very early age, now its 18 years all due to the dedication of the First Lady and appealed to NAMWA to look ahead, forget about the past and trivial issues all in the best interest of the organization and acclaimed them for their unflinching support.
The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi thanked all for the invitation, articulated that women and children’s business is everybody’s business, observed that the lighting in the hall and the gowns the women were wearing were colorful, appreciated President Bio for the great work to end rape and violence against girls and women as well as domestic violence noting that they are working incessantly to protect and improve the lives of girls and women.
She continued that it is also the responsibility of NAMWA to sensitize people to stop domestic violence and rape, especially five months and six year olds, unite women noting that inspite of the challenges, Sierra Leone is moving forward in terms of development with the optimism that one day the country would have a female President, maybe from among the Mandingo women in the hall.
Dr. Isata Mahoi reiterated that there is unity is strength, the reason they are at the event, encouraged them that they have a role to play in supporting government initiatives, say no to domestic violence and unite as women stressing that apart from President Bio, other male Presidents have not done much in the past and that now is the time to try a woman.
The founding member of NAMWA, Haja Muna revealed that the fundraising event is organized by a wonderful organization, commended members for their hard work and brilliant mindset and that contrary to the belief of many, they are a force to be reckoned with.
She continued that they are working in synergy with other organizations to empower women and children in North America, Sierra Leone and other parts of the world, promote sisterhood, humanitarianism, build and engage network of Mandingo women through unity and leadership,
Haja Muna added that they also educate Mandingo youths about their language and culture, promote Mandingo events though music and cultural exchanges, help underserved Sierra Leone communities impacted by conflicts affirming that they are united by their cultural inheritance, affirmed that brilliant minds shine and assured that NAMWA is not competing with any other organization.
The vote of thanks was rendered by Haja Aisatu Conde who applauded the First Lady, the Vice President of NAMWA, Mrs. Sunkarie Amadu Keita and all those who made the event a success, especially the various speakers for their invaluable insights, support staff and volunteers.
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador in America, Mr. Amara Sowa made a similar statement while the highlight of the event was the lifelong membership awarded to the First Lady.
The Master of Ceremony, Mrs. Zainab Bangura Dalboyi and other dignitaries, including the special artist, Tiranke Sidime, entertained guests that left them spellbound.
