By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has received high-level national recognition from the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation and Women’s Forum Sierra Leone for its outstanding commitment to service excellence, institutional leadership and the promotion of gender equality.

The honours were conferred during two separate national events held in December 2025, reflecting growing public and civil society acknowledgment of SLCAA’s reforms, governance standards and people-centred approach to public service delivery.

The first recognition was presented at the 8th Bai Bureh Heritage Service Delivery Awards, held on Saturday, 13 December 2025, in Port Loko, under the theme: “Fostering Development Through Service Excellence Recognition.” The Authority was later honoured at the Women’s Forum Sierra Leone 6th Annual National Prestigious Awards and Fundraising Dinner on Sunday, 14 December 2025, at the Freetown International Conference Centre in Aberdeen, themed: “Sustainability of Women Solidarity for Justice, Peace and National Development.”

At the Bai Bureh Heritage Service Delivery Awards, SLCAA Director General, Madam Musayeroh Barrie, delivered the keynote address and accepted an Award of Appreciation on behalf of the Authority for its contributions to community development and improved service delivery. She described the recognition as a reflection of collective institutional effort, rather than individual accomplishment.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie commended the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation for creating a national platform that promotes dialogue on accountability, integrity and excellence in public service. She noted that national development is driven not only by infrastructure and policies, but by institutions and professionals committed to quality, innovation and ethical leadership in their daily responsibilities.

According to her, effective leadership is defined by service to citizens, the nation and future generations. She emphasized that transparent and responsive service systems are critical to national progress across key sectors, including aviation, health, education and local governance.

Highlighting reforms undertaken by the SLCAA over the past two years, the Director General explained that the Authority has implemented measures aimed at strengthening institutional efficiency, enhancing regulatory compliance and aligning Sierra Leone’s aviation standards with international best practices. She identified safety, transparency and customer-focused service delivery as core priorities guiding the Authority’s operations.

While acknowledging ongoing operational challenges, including flight delays and baggage handling issues, Madam Musayeroh Barrie assured the public that continuous improvement remains a top priority. She credited the dedication, professionalism and innovation of SLCAA staff for sustaining progress and navigating operational constraints, noting that reform is an ongoing process.

She described the Bai Bureh Heritage award as recognition and a call to action, urging public institutions to embed excellence as a culture, lead with integrity and embrace innovation that prioritizes the public good. She dedicated the award to the staff of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority and to public servants across the country working tirelessly to improve service delivery.

At the Women’s Forum Sierra Leone Awards and Fundraising Dinner, Madam Musayeroh Barrie addressed national leaders, development partners and civil society representatives on the importance of women’s empowerment as a central pillar of national development. She emphasized that gender equality is not merely a social issue but a developmental necessity.

She referenced Sierra Leone’s Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act as clear evidence of the Government’s commitment to advancing the rights, participation and leadership of women across all sectors. Madam Musayeroh Barrie noted encouraging progress in the increasing representation of women in traditionally male-dominated fields, including aviation engineering, regulation and administration.

However, she cautioned that representation alone is not sufficient, stressing that women in leadership positions continue to face stereotypes, discrimination and digital harassment. She called for stronger institutional protections to safeguard women’s dignity, mental wellbeing and full participation in public life.

Addressing young women and girls, the Director General urged them to remain resilient, disciplined and confident, emphasizing that leadership is built through perseverance, courage and purpose. She encouraged women to pursue opportunities in all sectors, including aviation, science and governance and to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie described the Women’s Forum awards and fundraising dinner as an investment in Sierra Leone’s future, noting that empowering women strengthens families, communities and national institutions.

On behalf of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, she reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to promoting gender equality, expanding opportunities for women in aviation and upholding principles of good governance, transparency and professional excellence. She concluded by calling for sustained national efforts to create an enabling environment in which women and girls can fully contribute to peace, justice and sustainable development. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slcaa-dg-receives-dual-national-recognition-for-service-excellence-and-gender-leadership/