By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
In a landmark move to advance gender equality in the military, First Lady of Sierra Leone, Mrs. Fatima Bio, officially launched the Elsie Initiative Fund for uniformed women in peacekeeping operations. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, UN Women, and other partners, aims to empower women to assume leadership roles in peacekeeping missions.
The launch event, held in Freetown, carried the impactful theme: “Repositioned to Meaningfully Participate and Lead in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces and Support Peacekeeping Operations.”
Mrs. Bio shared her personal reflections, highlighting how the resilience of young survivors from Sierra Leone’s civil war inspired her advocacy, including the Hands Off Our Girls campaign. “Their stories reminded me that wherever Sierra Leonean women stand, they will not stand alone,” she affirmed.
The Elsie Initiative Fund is based on the principle that no girl should fear wearing a uniform, nor be marginalized due to her gender or cultural beliefs. Referencing the country’s history, Mrs. Bio recalled the role peacekeepers played in restoring security during the civil war. “Today, we have transformed from being protected to becoming peacekeepers ourselves,” she noted proudly.
The initiative focuses on several strategic areas to drive real change, including recruitment and promotion of women in the armed forces, transparency and mentorship programs, reforms in assigning roles during peacekeeping missions, scholarships for female officers and skills training to ensure women compete equally with their male counterparts.
By enabling women to serve as peacekeepers on the global stage, Sierra Leone not only contributes to international peace but also reinforces its commitment to equality and peace-building. “Inclusion isn’t a privilege; it’s a right,” Mrs. Bio emphasized, urging military commanders and international stakeholders to open up opportunities for women to lead and succeed.
The launch of the Elsie Initiative Fund marks a significant step in addressing gender disparities in the armed forces and peacekeeping operations. It sends a strong message: women’s participation is not just beneficial it is essential for effective peacekeeping and leadership.
Encouraging women across Sierra Leone, the First Lady declared, “The time for leadership is now.” This initiative is not just about promoting women in uniform; it is about transforming the narrative around women’s roles in society and empowering them to lead across all spheres of life.
With this bold step, Sierra Leone sets a progressive example for both national and global efforts toward gender equality and sustainable peace.
