Mabinty Funna, a member of Sierra Leone’s delegation to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, has engaged Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia as part of efforts to advance women’s participation in trade and economic development across West Africa.
Funna, who represents Constituency 054 in Tonkolili District for the All People’s Congress (APC), was part of the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA) Master Class delegation that visited Liberia on October 14 and 15, 2026, under the theme, “Advancing Women’s Participation in Global Trade-For Prosperity That Truly Belongs to All.”
During the engagement, President Boakai commended women for their contributions and sacrifices towards national development, describing them as essential partners in nation-building who often put collective interests above personal considerations.
The delegation, led by Liberian Representative Moima Briggs Mensah and Nigerian lawmaker Blessing Ehiwarlo Samuel Atiri, expressed appreciation to the President for granting them an audience. They also thanked him for recognising women’s contributions to nation-building and reaffirming his commitment to supporting women’s empowerment.
Speaking during a media engagement in Liberia, Hon. Funna explained that the Master Class was designed to provide women engaged in trade and business with practical guidance often missing from their entrepreneurial journey.
She said the initiative seeks to equip women with the knowledge and skills needed to package and market locally produced goods, such as cassava chips and palm oil, in regional markets, including Accra and Lagos.
According to her, the programme also seeks to help women understand trade regulations, avoid having their goods seized, identify major buyers and navigate the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“ No big grammar-just practical, useful knowledge,” she stressed, highlighting the importance of making trade information accessible and beneficial to women entrepreneurs.
Funna noted that women account for between 70 and 75 per cent of cross-border traders in the region, yet registered businesses and large-scale exporters remain predominantly male.
She argued that the disparity was not due to women’s inability to compete, but rather their limited access to the knowledge and systems required to expand their businesses.
“Not because women can’t, but because they haven’t been taught the system,” she said.
Emphasising the need for inclusive economic opportunities, Funna maintained that prosperity should be accessible to everyone, encouraging women to participate fully in regional trade and work collectively towards economic advancement.
“Prosperity shouldn’t be a privilege. It’s your right to. Let trade, grow and rise together. Thank you Liberia. God bless us all,” she concluded.
In a related development, Funna participated in the ECOFEPA School Outreach Programme in Kataka District and Salala District, Bong County, where she encouraged students to embrace education, hard work, faith and leadership.
Addressing the students, she stressed that success does not come through idleness but through determination and sustained effort. She urged young people not to allow their backgrounds or circumstances to determine their future.
“My young friend, your background is not your destiny. I didn’t have it all but I had faith and God. Education is your superpower. It protects you. It opens doors nobody else can close,” she told the students.
She further encouraged them to recognise their potential and understand that age should not be a barrier to leadership and achievement.
“Your age is not your weakness, it’s your power. I was 27 when I started. You are never too young to lead. Trust God and work hard. That is the secret formula nobody talks about enough,” she said.
Funna urged the students to take initiative, make the best use of available opportunities and remain committed to their aspirations.
“Don’t wait for permission to be great. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. The world is waiting for your light, shine bright,” she added.
The Economic Community of West African States Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA) is an official association of women lawmakers from ECOWAS member states, established in 2002.
The association’s core mission is to promote gender-responsive social, economic and cultural development, advocate inclusive and gender-friendly policies, and increase the representation of women and young people in political and governance structures across West Africa.
Its activities include advocating affirmative action and increased female representation in national parliaments and regional institutions, empowering women entrepreneurs to develop export-ready businesses, improving access to regional markets and finance, and mentoring young women and emerging leaders through town hall meetings, master classes and capacity-building programmes.
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