UN Women, RSLAF and Elsie Initiative Fund Launch All-Female Drivers Training for 75 Military Officers
By Janet Mumgbay Zizer – (232news)
UN Women, in partnership with the Elsie Initiative Fund and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), has launched an all-female military drivers training programme for 75 RSLAF personnel. The ceremony took place at the Triple Canopy, Murray Town Barracks in Freetown marking the largest female driver capacity-building initiative in the history of the Armed Forces.
Commanding Officer of the Transport Regiment, Lt. Col. Saio Marrah, welcomed guests and highlighted the importance of expanding women’s roles in operational mobility within RSLAF.
Head of UN Women Sierra Leone, Madam Setcheme Mongbo, praised the initiative as essential for strengthening women’s eligibility for peacekeeping deployment:
“Imagine being on the battlefield without the skills that could save your own life or the lives of those you are deployed to protect. These 75 officers are not just learning to drive; they are preparing to save lives.”
UN Resident Coordinator, Madam Seraphine Wakana, described the programme as a major step toward breaking systemic barriers against women in uniform:
“You are not just learning to drive you are driving change.”
Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. A. I. Bangura, officially launched the programme, noting:
“Competence and courage distinguish no gender. Today, you are steering the RSLAF toward a more modern and inclusive future.”
A representative of the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Bamie Sesay, reaffirmed government’s commitment to implementing the GEWE Act and increasing women’s participation in national security and peacekeeping roles.
The event concluded with military demonstrations, a group photo session, and interactions with the pioneering trainees, who will undergo a 15-week intensive driving and operational training programme.
