Baking for a Brighter Future: United Women in Faith Commissions Second Women’s Bakery

by Finda Quiwa

With great excitement, the United Methodist Women Sierra Leone country team officially opened and dedicated their second women-led bakery on July 10, 2025, in Kenema District, Eastern Sierra Leone.

This new bakery follows the success of the first, which was launched in Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone, on February 11, 2023. Both projects represent the growing commitment of United Women in Faith to empower women economically and spiritually through sustainable livelihood projects.

The Kenema event brought together church leaders, traditional authorities, women’s groups, and community members in a vibrant celebration of faith, hope, and opportunity. The bakery is more than a business — it is a symbol of dignity, independence, and community transformation.

“This bakery represents the strength and resilience of women committed to uplifting their families and communities. It is not just about baking bread — it’s about baking hope for a brighter future,” said Bishop James Boye-Caulker of The United Methodist Church at the dedication of the initiative.

Many expressed joy and encouragement around this new project. “This partnership is amazing, empowering women. I urge the women in Kenema to embrace this opportunity fully and lead with confidence and vision,” said Finda Quiwa, regional nissionary for United Women in Faith in Africa.

Entrepreneurship Training

Before the dedication, the development wing of the church, Community Empowerment for Social Change, Livelihoods and Development (CESLAD), facilitated a one-day training on business management and entrepreneurship. This training equipped the women entrepreneurs with practical skills to run the bakery successfully. A bakery management committee was formed to oversee daily operations and marketing efforts, ensuring transparency and sustainability.

Ethel Sandy, national women’s coordinator, shared the broader mission behind the project: “Our goal is to empower women not just economically, but also in faith and leadership. This bakery is an affirmation to that mission.” Startup baking kits and seed funding were also provided to support the bakery’s first three months of operation.

A Dream Come True

For beneficiaries like Aminata, the bakery is a dream come true. She said, “Having a bakery right here saves us time and money. We no longer face disappointments from bakers who have monopolized the market for years because we now have an alternative bakery right in our own community. We are hopeful and proud to take charge of our future.”

The United Women in Faith Sierra Leone Country Team continues to champion grassroots initiatives across the country — building stronger communities through women’s leadership, faith, and empowerment.

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Finda Quiwa is a United Women in Faith regional missionary, serving in Sierra Leone.