By Nasratu Kargbo
The first lady Fatima Jabbie Bio has promised female soldiers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) of more support to empower themselves.
Speaking to the soldiers at the Cockerill Army headquarters, in Freetown, on Friday 27 August, 2021 the First Lady assured them that by next year the nursing school will be transformed into an ultra- modern facility that is to empower the female soldiers studying nursing, and make the learning environment very conducive for them.
She said it has been her dream also to build a hospital, which she said will be actualized by next year. On that hospital she envisioned, she explained that there will be different sections for men, women, children and lactating mothers. According to her, the hospital will also include an ultramodern centre of excellence for rape victims and survivors, with an administrative building.
Speaking on the micro-grant she promised the officers some time back, the Madam Bio surprised her audience when she made an on the spot cash support of 150 million Leones to an Empowerment scheme managed by the serving female officers. She had earlier promised to give 50% of the amount of money that they were to raise as a group.
The First Lady stated that women need help from their male partners for a venture to be successful, and should carry the women along in order to bring out the best in them. She pointed out that empowering women is never about competing with men, but collaborating to generate success. She also urged the military leadership to provide quality services to the people of Sierra Leone.
In her statement, Captain Munu recalled that in March this year during a programme organised by the first lady for long-serving influential and deserving female military personnel in the force, she had promised them that she will empower the female staff through her micro-grant
The Captain advised her colleagues to make use of the opportunity, in order for the first lady’s effort not to go in vain.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Lt. Gen. Sullay I. Sesay, thanked the First Lady for her effort in helping Sierra Leonean women. He described the micro-grant for female officers as a milestone in the history of women empowerment in RSLAF.
The CDS added that the RSLAF leadership acknowledges the women officers and their role, adding that “The plight of our women in uniform confronts us all”.
Speaking on the achievements made by RSLAF, the CDS explained that as a way to improve and empower women in the force, they made sure that a total of 55% study leave was awarded to female officers who wish to further their studies. He CDS said that such has never happened in such a magnitude in the history of their institution. He added that the micro-grant will accelerate the effort of the hover and RSLAF in empowering female officers.
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online
