Sierra Leone’s First Lady champions female soldiers’ advancement at launch of two-year Elsie Initiative

Her Excellency Fatima Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, has called on military leaders, policymakers, and international partners to create space for women to thrive in peacekeeping and security. Speaking at the launch of the two-year Elsie Initiative Fund for Uniformed Women in Peace Operations (EIF), held at the Myahung Officers’ Mess, Wilberforce Barracks yesterday Monday, she urged commanders of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) to lead with vision and courage.

“Legislate boldly. Remove the barriers that hold back progress,” she said, addressing policymakers. To international partners, she appealed: “Walk with us. Share your expertise, your resources, and your solidarity.”
 

The EIF, in partnership with UN Women Sierra Leone, aims to enhance the participation and capacity of uniformed women in UN peace operations. It builds on findings from RSLAF’s 2022 barrier assessment, which identified key challenges including unequal access to training, lack of women in senior leadership, inadequate health services, and weak reporting mechanisms for harassment and misconduct.

Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s journey, the First Lady described the country’s transformation from a recipient of peacekeeping support during its civil war to a contributor of peacekeepers—including courageous women—across the globe. “Not so long ago, blue helmets from around the world patrolled our streets and guarded our hopes,” she recalled.
 

UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana emphasized the significance of the initiative: “This launch sends a clear message to every girl and every woman in uniform—that their talent is needed, their leadership valued, and their place in peacekeeping is non-negotiable.”

Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, hailed the day as a bold step forward: “Women must not only be seen in our armed forces—they must be heard, respected, and empowered to lead.”

Currently, RSLAF contributes personnel to peace operations in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), Lebanon (UNIFIL), South Sudan (UNMISS), Western Sahara (MINURSO), and Abyei (UNISFA). While women make up 46% of deployed personnel, they represent only 13% of the total force.
 

RSLAF Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Amara Idara Bangura, welcomed the EIF as a vital step in Sierra Leone’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. “This project is cardinal to empowering women in uniform. It will help them reach the highest cloud of their desire and expose them to the dynamics of peacekeeping.”
 

UN Women Head of Office, Setcheme Jeronime Mongbo, added: “This marks a critical step in advancing gender equality and strengthening leadership. Women in uniform deserve the tools, voice, and support to thrive and lead.”