RSLAF Commissions 70 Female Drivers
- Grace Bangura
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
An achievement for gender equality and national security, seventy female drivers were officially commissioned into the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), signaling a major expansion of professional roles for women in the country's military.
The momentous ceremony took place on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the Julius Maada Bio Parade Square in Wilberforce Barracks, as part of the annual Women in Service Day celebrations. The event brought together senior military leadership, government officials, and international partners to honor the bravery and dedication of female personnel.
Organized under the theme “Celebrate the Strength and Service of Women in Uniform,” the celebration spotlighted the evolving role of female service members in driving operational excellence, discipline, and security across the armed forces.
This specialized training and commissioning initiative was made possible through a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and UN Women, supported by the Elsie Initiative Fund—a global endeavor aimed at increasing the meaningful participation of women in peace and security operations.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs lauded the new drivers for breaking traditional barriers in non-combat support roles and praised the RSLAF leadership for creating pathbreaking opportunities within the armed forces.
The Minister reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to advancing female leadership, emphasizing that the implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act 2022 must continue to deliver tangible career progress and systemic changes across all state institutions.
Beyond technical capacity building, officials underscored that integrating women into all tiers of military service enhances institutional effectiveness, community relations, and overall national security.
The integration of 70 trained female drivers sets a crucial precedent for future recruitment drives, proving that women are vital contributors to operational readiness and strategic defense initiatives in Sierra Leone.
In closing, the Minister paid high tribute to all women serving in uniform across Sierra Leone, celebrating their courage, sacrifice, and leadership.
She called on all sectors of society to continue fostering an environment where women are recognized, protected, and empowered to lead in service to the nation.
Comments