25/12/2025
In another milestone marking the wrap-up of BossLady Creatifest 2025, a cash award of NLe 3,000 was formally presented to the winner of the Community Choice Award, Madam Fatmata Ishmatu Bangura, CEO of Ishma’s Supplies, at her business premises on Abacha Street, Freetown.
The presentation followed the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the handing over of the cheque, and the presentation of the Award Certificate, underscoring the platform’s commitment to accountability and transparency.
Speaking at the event, Fatmata Fathima Kamara, Founder of Thimzy Empowerment Initiative and host organization of the BossLady Creatifest Business Pitch Competition, reaffirmed the Initiative’s dedication to sustainable empowerment for women and girls through livelihood creation, which remains a core priority of Thimzy’s work. She emphasized that the BossLady platform exists not only to ignite ideas and ambitions, but also to support stability, growth, and long-term impact. She further noted that the platform is firmly grounded in the principles of accountability, fairness, transparency, and results-driven programming.
In her remarks, Madam Fatmata I. Bangura expressed deep gratitude to the platform and organizers for the opportunity to showcase her business. She shared her personal journey, noting that she never imagined standing before an audience or competing alongside formally educated participants. As a single mother of four, she explained that she bears full responsibility for her children’s education, daily sustenance, clothing, and shelter. She stated that the funds will enable her to increase her stock, boost sales and profits, and gradually build savings toward independently importing her supplies, as she currently operates on credit. She also highlighted that her business supports other women by sharing opportunities with them. Madam Bangura concluded by assuring the organizers that the funds would be used strictly for their intended purpose.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Ade, a renowned trader on Abacha Street and introduced as the Godmother of Madam Bangura, commended Thimzy Empowerment Initiative for the transparent and accountable manner in which the entire competition was conducted. She expressed her satisfaction with the process and pledged to support oversight of the fund utilization, ensuring that the award serves its intended purpose.
Thimzy Empowerment Initiative extends special appreciation to all partners, supporters, and stakeholders whose contributions made BossLady Creatifest 2025 a resounding success.
