RSLAF, MOGCA & UN Women Commissioned Certified RSLAF Female Drivers.

Seventy certified female drivers officially joined the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) during a commissioning ceremony at the Hockey Pitch Ground. The Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs (MoGCA) and UN Women witnessed this transformative moment, marking significant progress for women's empowerment within the Military structure. This groundbreaking initiative equips women with essential knowledge, practical skills, and unwavering commitment toward personal and professional advancement.

Captain S.P. Turay delivered the welcome address, extending warm greetings to participants and distinguished officials. She characterized the ceremony as a celebration of progress, collaboration, and the unwavering commitment of females serving in the military. These women, she noted, have undergone rigorous training, thorough preparation, and holistic development to acquire long-lasting, transferable skills.

Captain Turay applauded UN Women and MoGCA for their timely support and dedication to empowering women across all levels of society. She underscored the significance of self-development initiatives, observing that these women have demonstrated virtue and potential worthy of recognition. "This represents a critical operational skill," she emphasized, "and serves as a vital step toward rebuilding an inclusive force."

Deputy Director Hannah Lahai Robinson represented the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs at the ministerial level, delivering a powerful statement on this historic occasion. She expressed profound appreciation for this milestone, which reaffirms women's essential role in self-driven development initiatives.

Mrs. Robinson stressed the importance of women in peace and security, directly referencing UN Security Council Resolution 1325. The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces has practically adopted and enforced this initiative throughout the military structure. Speaking on behalf of the minister, she highlighted the significance of training seventy female drivers as a concrete objective aligned with the United Nations resolution and Sierra Leone's third-generation national action plan on women, peace, and security.

Lahai reaffirmed the Ministry's steadfast commitment to providing necessary leadership for advancing the women, peace, and security agenda across Sierra Leone. She concluded by congratulating the women who completed the training course and received full certification as professional drivers.

Dr. Maxime Houinato emphasized that building capacity for women remains fundamental to UN Women's core commitments. In his formal remarks, he identified knowledge, capacity, and resources as crucial needs for meaningful women's empowerment. He observed that women's capacity is often shaped and constrained by societal expectations and structures.

"With the capacity that women possess," Dr. Houinato stressed, "they become fully eligible for personal growth and professional advancement." He admonished the newly trained female drivers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, demonstrate exemplary ethics, and exhibit constructivism in executing their duties for national protection.

Deputy Chief of Defense Staff Sahr David Thomas Ngaogiah described the occasion as a truly memorable day, marking both the successful completion of an intensive training program and the breaking of longstanding barriers to women's empowerment. He applauded the female drivers for demonstrating competence, commitment, and professionalism throughout the entire training exercise.

These women, he noted, will now serve as force multipliers, strengthening law enforcement capabilities, enhancing mobility and logistics coordination, and responding effectively to national service requirements. He concluded by thanking partners for their unwavering dedication to empowering women, admonishing the trainees to serve loyally and utilize their newly acquired skills wisely for personal and national development.

The ceremony featured visual demonstrations where the newly commissioned female drivers conducted their first official driving sessions, complementing theoretical knowledge with practical skill application. Attendees witnessed firsthand the competence and confidence these women developed throughout their training.

The session culminated in the distribution of certificates to all participants who completed the comprehensive training program for RSLAF female drivers, formally recognizing their achievement and qualification.

The program concluded with a unanimous call to action, urging stakeholders to ensure women remain visible, assume meaningful leadership roles, and continuously develop their skills for empowering communities across Sierra Leone. This commissioning ceremony represents not merely an ending but a powerful beginning for women's expanded participation in national security and development.

Correspondent-Kelvin Mark Kargbo

MoGCA Communications Unit

Email: mkelson367@gmail.com