Across West Africa, few names carry as much respect in grassroots women’s circles as Madam Fatmata Sow Momoh. The wife of Sierra Leone’s late President Joseph Saidu Momoh has long transcended the traditional role of a former First Lady — stepping into a legacy of mentorship, advocacy, and hands-on empowerment that is transforming the lives of thousands of women across the continent.
This week, the West Africa Grassroots Women Network bestowed upon her one of its most symbolic titles — “International Mentor” — a recognition of her decades-long service to women’s growth, economic independence, and leadership in community development.
In Sierra Leone, Madam Momoh’s name is synonymous with market women’s empowerment. Known affectionately as the “Mother of Market Women,” she has spent years mobilizing and strengthening over a hundred women’s groups across the country. But her work is not confined to speeches or symbolic gestures — it is built on tangible action.
Her landmark microcredit programme, designed for women often excluded from the rigid requirements of commercial bank loans, has been a lifeline for small-scale traders. Through cooperative models, women can access low-interest loans, receive business management and entrepreneurship training, and benefit from ongoing mentorship from a dedicated monitoring team.
The model does more than provide financial aid — it nurtures confidence, strengthens networks, and plants the seeds of long-term sustainability for families and communities.
Madam Momoh’s vision stretches far beyond Sierra Leone’s borders. She has emerged as a continental figure in women’s empowerment, tirelessly traveling across West Africa to engage women’s groups, foster unity, and promote peaceful coexistence.
Her message is both practical and profound: women must be equipped with the skills and confidence to participate fully in national development — not just as beneficiaries of progress but as architects of it. She advocates for vocational training, economic self-reliance, and the strategic involvement of women in political decision-making.
Currently, she is working alongside the wives of former presidents across West Africa to mentor young female leaders, including aspiring politicians. Their goal is to help women navigate complex political systems, engage constructively with governments, and advocate for policies that promote development and social harmony.
One of Madam Momoh’s most powerful attributes is her ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds — cutting across political lines, religious differences, and ethnic divides. She approaches every woman as a sister or mother, breaking down barriers through personal engagement and open dialogue.
Whether it’s in a rural market square, a bustling urban hall, or an international conference, her leadership is rooted in listening, guiding, and creating collective solutions.
To the West Africa Grassroots Women Network, she is more than a leader. “She is our guide, our partner, and our inspiration — a living example of how one woman’s commitment can ignite transformation across borders,” the organization stated.
As Madam Momoh continues her mission, her influence serves as a reminder that real change begins at the grassroots — and that when women are given the tools to lead, they can change not only their communities but the course of nations.
