By Mabinty M. Kamara
President Julius Maada Bio on Saturday 7th September 2019 commissioned 327 female soldiers into the Republic of Sierra Leone Arm Forces (RSLAF) at the Benguema Armed Forces Training Center.
This is the first batch of all female recruitment training conducted since 1978, the last time the Sierra Leone army recruited an all-female batch of soldiers.
President Bio in a statement noted that the all-female recruitment programme is a deliberate effort of his government to systematically ensure the inclusion and empowerment of women and girls in the governance structure, policy making and other reforms and at the same time work towards eliminating inequalities.
“Today is women’s day in RSLAF. We believe that Inclusiveness and structural development will be possible when 51% of the country’s population is actively involved in the growth and development of the country, alongside the 49% of the male population to participate in nation building,” he said.
According to President Bio, the major rationale behind the all-female recruitment drive, which was launched by the first lady on the 15th December 2018 as part of her girl child protection initiative, is also in fulfilment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations which calls for 30% female representation in every public sector. He said the move was also in adherence to the UN policy on peace support operations, which requires that all peacekeeping contingent most include 15% of female as pre condition for deployment to any peace keeping operations.
The president added that when he made a public proclamation against rape and sexual abuse against girls, it was to protect the dignity and integrity of women and girls in the country. And the appointment of females into his government, he added, is because he believes that inclusion of women will further bring development and national cohesion.
Bio encouraged the officers to be steadfast and to stay committed to the oath they took, noting that they were entering the military at a time when there is a growing opportunity for women in the military. He went on to recognize strides of female soldiers who have in diverse ways sacrificed to fight for the nation and to maintain the integrity and dignity of RSLAF.
Three officers among the 327 officers were awarded for outstanding performance during the training and exhibition of leadership skills at all levels. Sergeant Zainab Massaquoi 1917 was promoted from Sergeant to staff Sergeant for her dedication, commitment and outstanding performance in the execution of her duties. Zainab’s promotion, according to her colleagues, is of merit as she had always been an outstanding personality among her peers.
Martha Koindor, one of the many commissioned female officers, told Politico that joining the military was no mistake. The training, though tough, was worth the pain, she said. She went on to encourage other women to join the military, noting that gone are the days when people feel the force is for drop outs.
“You have heard for yourself now about the number of experts that we graduated together with. I just wished I had gone to college before coming here because the difference is clearly spelt out, but I will press on and study further while I serve,” she said.
The newly commissioned soldiers included 59 cadets, among whom were three medical doctors, two engineers, three lawyers, one Information Communication Technology experts. Also among the cadets are six state registered nurses and one midwife and other professionals from various disciplines.
One of the cadet officers and one recruit were selected to study clinical medicine in China for six years. Another cadet is selected to pursue a regular cadet course in Nigeria at the Nigeria Defense Academy for a period of five years.
© 2019 Politico Online
