The Deputy High Commissioner of the Sierra Leone High Commission in London, Mrs. Yvonne King Odigboh, delivered a rousing keynote speech at the launch of “Distinguish Sisters”, an organization committed to empowering, supporting, and connecting Sierra Leonean women in the UK and Sierra Leone. The event, held at the elegant Aquum in London’s Clapham North, brought together a diverse group of community leaders, advocates, and supporters.
Mrs. King Odigboh, accompanied by her husband, Mr. Celestine Odigboh, was joined by other SLHC staff members, including Mr. Sahr Dugba, Trade Attaché, and Mr. Abdulai Braima, Information Attaché.
In her speech, Mrs. Yvonne King Odigboh praised the launch as a powerful initiative for transforming lives and strengthening communities.
“This organization should be seen as a beacon of hope,” Mrs. King Odigboh stated. “It is established by women, for women, with the noble mission of encouraging, supporting, and empowering each other to achieve their fullest potential—socially, economically, and personally.”
She highlighted the global and historical significance of women’s empowerment, drawing inspiration from figures such as Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, Wangari Maathai, and Emmeline Pankhurst. “These women and countless others have illuminated the path for us to follow, proving that when women are empowered, societies prosper,” she said.
Mrs. King Odigboh also linked the mission of Distinguish Sisters to the progressive strides being made in Sierra Leone under the leadership of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio. She praised legislative milestones such as the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act, which she described as a “solid framework for ensuring women’s representation in leadership and decision-making.”
“Equally commendable,” she added, “is the work of Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio. A deservingly revered personality whose advocacy for the rights of women and girls, particularly through the ‘Hands Off Our Girls’ campaign, has galvanized national and international attention and achieved monumental recognition on the global stage.”
Mrs. King Odigboh emphasized the importance of maintaining synergy between grassroots initiatives like Distinguish Sisters and national policies aimed at improving gender equality. “The synergy between the vision of Distinguish Sisters and the efforts of President Bio and First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio is unmistakable. Both recognize that empowering women is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for development.”
Reflecting on the event’s significance, Mrs. King Odigboh concluded, “Every woman empowered is a community transformed. Together, let us build a future where every woman has the tools, opportunities, and support to achieve her fullest potential
The launch was marked by an atmosphere of celebration and optimism, as attendees pledged to support the organization’s mission of helping to uplift Sierra Leonean women.
With its launch, Distinguish Sisters would be working to create opportunities for meaningful change for Sierra Leonean women across the UK diaspora and in Sierra Leone, bridging geographical divides and uniting women under the shared banner of sisterhood and empowerment.
