UBA CEO Alhajie Samoura Urges Work-Life Balance at PowerWomen232 Event
On the 10th Anniversary Power Fest of PowerWomen232 took place on November 13, 2024, at the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel in Aberdeen, marking a decade of empowering Sierra Leonean women professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders. The event was centered around the theme “Igniting the Spark”, symbolizing not only the growth of the organization over the past ten years but also its continued commitment to igniting transformative changes in the lives of Sierra Leonean women.
PowerWomen232 has emerged as one of the most impactful networks for professional women in Sierra Leone. Over the years, the group has provided a platform for women to connect, collaborate, and gain access to the mentorship, resources, and skills needed to thrive in their respective fields. The 10th Anniversary Power Fest was a celebration of those successes, with notable speakers and participants reflecting on how far they have come while looking ahead to future possibilities.
The event was a key gathering for women at various stages of their professional journeys—from seasoned business leaders to young, aspiring entrepreneurs. It was a moment for PowerWomen232 to reflect on its progress, evaluate its impact, and renew its vision for future empowerment.
The keynote address for the evening was delivered by Mohamed Alhajie Samoura, Managing Director and CEO of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Sierra Leone. As one of the most prominent business leaders in Sierra Leone and Africa, Samoura’s words carried significant weight. Drawing from his extensive leadership experience at one of Africa’s largest financial institutions, he shared valuable insights on personal growth, leadership, and the challenges faced by women in professional spaces.
In his speech, Samoura celebrated the achievements of PowerWomen232 and praised the organization for its transformative impact on the lives of many women across Sierra Leone. “To celebrate this 10-year milestone is not just to look back on a decade of achievements, but to ignite a spark that will fuel the next phase of success for women in Sierra Leone and beyond,” he stated. His message resonated deeply with the audience, particularly with young women who have benefitted from the organization’s mentorship programs and networking opportunities.
Samoura’s address focused on the need for women to take charge of their own personal and professional growth, emphasizing that empowerment begins with self-awareness, setting boundaries, and achieving work-life balance.
One of the key themes of Samoura’s speech was the importance of achieving work-life balance. He acknowledged the pressures of modern professional life, particularly in high-demand industries such as finance, business, and leadership, where women often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. However, he emphasized that balancing professional success with personal well-being is crucial to long-term achievement.
“Work-life balance is not just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for sustainable success,” Samoura explained. “It’s about finding that sweet spot where your work responsibilities align with your personal passions, your family, and your overall well-being.” He shared practical strategies for achieving balance, such as setting clear boundaries between work and personal time and ensuring that self-care is not neglected. Samoura cited his own leadership role at UBA, where policies are designed to prioritize employee well-being, including mandatory 6 PM work departures and annual leave enforcement, to help staff recharge and avoid burnout.
“Self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity,” Samoura emphasized. “If you take care of yourself, you can show up more effectively in every area of your life.”
He urged the attendees to be deliberate in setting aside time for relaxation, family, hobbies, and physical activity to maintain overall well-being. For Samoura, the idea is simple: success is not only about professional accomplishments, but also about finding peace, fulfillment, and happiness outside of work.
Samoura also took the opportunity to challenge women entrepreneurs and young professionals to think beyond individual success and embrace collective achievement. He stressed that success is often built through collaboration, innovation, and empowering others to succeed.
“Success is collective,” Samoura said, quoting UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu, who once said, “You cannot build a successful organization alone. Success is about your team. Share your vision, build a strong team, and empower them to achieve even greater things.” He encouraged the attendees to foster a culture of collaboration, where teamwork and support are prioritized, creating an environment that nurtures innovation and mutual growth.
This message resonated particularly with entrepreneurs in the room who are navigating the challenges of building businesses from the ground up. Samoura reminded them that effective leadership means recognizing the potential in others, sharing resources, and working toward a common goal.
The event also featured a presentation by Juliana Asare, Chief Financial Officer of UBA Sierra Leone, who spoke about smart financial habits and how young people can set themselves up for long-term success. Her session, titled “Money Moves: Smart Financial Habits in Your 20s and 30s for a Lifetime of Success”, was designed to provide practical advice on managing finances effectively, which is crucial for anyone looking to build wealth and financial independence.
Asare highlighted the importance of financial literacy, particularly for women who are often underrepresented in financial decision-making spaces. “Money doesn’t perish, but it does require knowledge to make, save, and grow it,” she said. Her presentation focused on key financial habits that can have a profound impact on an individual’s long-term financial success, including:
- Creating and sticking to a budget
- Prioritizing needs over wants
- Developing multiple income streams
- Investing early and regularly
She also discussed how young people can leverage financial products such as UBA’s Kiddies and NexGen savings accounts, which are specifically designed for young professionals and students, to set up a solid financial foundation.
“Financial independence is not a dream—it’s a journey that starts with small steps,” Asare said. “Start now, educate yourself, and make informed decisions about your money. The earlier you start, the more opportunities you’ll create for yourself in the future.”
As the evening came to a close, the atmosphere in the room was filled with excitement, energy, and renewed purpose.
The PowerWomen232 10th Anniversary Power Fest was more than just an event—it was a moment to reflect on the achievements of the past decade and to look ahead with hope and determination for the next phase of the movement.
PowerWomen232 has proven itself as a pivotal organization in Sierra Leone’s professional ecosystem. From its humble beginnings to becoming a powerful network that uplifts women from all walks of life, it has helped countless women access mentorship, professional opportunities, and financial independence. As the evening’s discussions underscored, the future of women in Sierra Leone and Africa is bright, with organizations like PowerWomen232 leading the charge.
The event truly embodied the theme “Igniting the Spark”, serving as a call to action for every woman to continue striving for success, building connections, and supporting one another. With the support of leaders like Mohamed Alhajie Samoura, Juliana Asare, and other key figures, PowerWomen232 is poised to ignite even more sparks of innovation, leadership, and empowerment for women in Sierra Leone for the next decade and beyond.
