The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Friday, April 10, 2026, recognized its senior female staff Directors and Deputy Directors for their years of dedication, leadership, and service within the parliamentary service.
In his remarks, the Clerk of Parliament, Karmoh K. Conteh, said the occasion was specifically set aside to celebrate female staff in top management positions. He described them as pillars of the institution.
“We are making sure that you have a voice and that you are included in our decision-making processes,” he said. He encouraged the women to feel valued and secure, emphasizing that Parliament belongs to all its staff.
While the world observed International Women’s Day under the theme “Accelerating Gender Equality,” the Parliamentary administration focused inwardly on recognizing the women who have played key roles in the institution’s daily operations, from procedural guidance to administrative management.
The event, held in the Speaker’s Board Room in Parliament, brought together female Directors, Deputy Directors, support staff, and male Directors to honour women who have served the legislature over the years. The recognition was described as a surprise celebration of women in top management positions within the parliamentary service.
The Deputy Clerk of Parliament, Gilbert Bosco N’habay, said the purpose of the celebration was to provide moral support to female Directors and Deputy Directors in recognition of their tireless commitment to the work of Parliament. He encouraged them to continue striving for excellence, noting that women play a vital role in nation-building.
He further observed that most parliaments worldwide have historically been male dominated, not only in elected positions but also in senior administrative roles.
During the event, the Clerk of Parliament, Deputy Clerk, and invited Directors and Deputy Directors presented acrostic poems in honour of the female senior staff.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the female Directors, the Director General of Parliament, Mrs. Finda Findosia Fraser, reflected on the efforts made by female staff in strengthening capacity and improving parliamentary service delivery. She described the recognition as a pleasant surprise and expressed gratitude to the leadership of Parliament.
“To be celebrated in this way is something we deeply appreciate. We are truly grateful to the leadership of Parliament,” she said.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of acrostic poems to the female Directors and Deputy Directors in recognition of their dedication, resilience, and contributions to the parliamentary service. The poems were prepared by the Deputy Clerk of Parliament and endorsed by the Clerk of Parliament, highlighting the professionalism and commitment of the women in service.
The Director of the Parliamentary and Public Relations Department, Sheku Lamin Turay, who moderated the event, also emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment and commended the female staff for their continued dedication to effective service delivery within Parliament.