By Mohamed M. Sesay
After 54 years of male-dominant rulership in the Organization, fortune had indeed smiled at Sombo Fortune, the first-ever Female President of the Pujehun District Students Association (PuDSA), when she subscribed to the oath of office on Saturday, the 10th February 2024, in Pujehun Town.
In her inaugural speech, Sombo Fortune said it was with great honor and humility that she stood before such a gathering as the association's first Female President. She expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence the association has placed in her. She also assured all students that she is ready to dedicate herself to serving the association with integrity, compassion, and resilience.
‘We observe today not as a victory of party but a celebration of solidarity, love, and inclusiveness, symbolizing an end as well as a beginning, signifying renewal as well as change, for I had sworn before God Almighty and all personalities present here today the same solemn oath my predecessors took before me. I want to take this opportunity to thank all ex-officio members, especially President Kein and his team, for their tremendous effort towards the growth of PUDSA,’’ she said.
As the association's first female president, she admonished that she was acutely aware of its significance. She assured members that she would not take the responsibilities of this historic milestone lightly. She is committed to representing the voices and interests of all members, regardless of gender, institution, or background.
Sombo Fortune expressed that together, they could build an association where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive, where diversity is celebrated, and where their differences are seen as sources of strength. She also envisaged a future where every member could dream big and achieve their fullest potential regardless of their circumstances. ‘let me tell you all today that PuDSA is still in existence not because of the strength of those in power but because of the love and support of every member here today and our stakeholders which clearly shows that if we are united, we will achieve more incredible things together’’.
President Fortune acknowledged that there would be challenges and obstacles ahead, but she was confident that with the support and collaboration of her members, they could overcome those challenges. Together, she said they could pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for future generations.
She expressed that she believed in the power of education to transform lives and shape the future, urging all to strive for academic excellence while nurturing their passion and interest beyond PuDSA. ‘Let us celebrate our achievements, whether big or small and support one another positively at all times, including our younger sisters and brothers still in school. '
She disclosed that her administration's flagship program is education; therefore, she formally launched the best speaker of the year competition, which would be held here in Pujehun town among secondary schools in the district. And again, in line with my quest to eradicate male chauvinism in PuDSA, Sombo Fortune said she intends to bring to the notice of all present that during her tenure, there would be an official female summit, which had now become a norm to help inspire their young girls to work hard in their academic pursuit.
The Master of Ceremony was Madam Asma James, who congratulated President Sombo Fortune for her historic mandate as the association's first female President. She expressed love and admiration for President Fortune, setting such generational records. She, therefore, called on all the stakeholders in the district to support President Fortune's administration.
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