By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
The Chief of Defence Staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Brigadier General Idara Bangura, has commended women serving in the country’s armed forces for their courage, resilience and contribution to national defence.
Brigadier General Bangura made the statement on Monday, September 7, 2026, while addressing service women during a special parade and commemoration marking Service Women’s Day at the Julius Maada Bio Center in Wilberforce Freetown.
He described the atmosphere at the parade as one filled with “pride, resilience and national gratitude,” saying the occasion was not merely about celebrating women in uniform but recognising the sacrifices they make in defending the nation.
“When I look out at this parade, I don’t just see soldiers in uniform. I see mothers, sisters, wives and daughters. I see the heart beating of our national defence. I see the future of the Republic of Sierra Leone here this morning,” Brigadier General Bangura said.
The Defence Chief said his years of service had allowed him to witness significant changes within the military, describing the growing participation and advancement of women in the armed forces as one of the most profound and inspiring developments.
He recalled the historic passing-out parade of female recruits at Benguema on September 7, 2019, noting that the women had to overcome doubts about their ability to withstand the physical and demanding nature of military training.
According to him, the women demonstrated that courage and strength are not determined by gender or physical muscle, but by the spirit and determination of an individual.
“They proved that courage has no gender, and that strength is not a matter of muscle mass, but of the spirit and soul,” he stated.
Brigadier General Bangura said the military’s celebration of service women should go beyond symbolism to recognise the substance of their contributions across different areas of military operations.
He acknowledged the work of intelligence officers, medical personnel, signals officers, engineers, lawyers, drivers, administrators and other women serving in specialised roles within the armed forces.
He particularly praised women who serve in medical and operational roles, saying their contributions have helped save lives and support communities during difficult circumstances.
The CDS also highlighted the personal sacrifices made by female military personnel, many of whom he said have to balance demanding military responsibilities with family obligations.
He noted that many service women wake up early to prepare food for their children and husbands and manage their homes while simultaneously carrying out their responsibilities to the nation.
“Today, we honour that sacrifice. We honour those sleepless nights, the moments of doubt and the frustrations of being underestimated,” he said.
While acknowledging that challenges remain in achieving greater gender equality within the armed forces, Brigadier General Bangura assured service women that the RSLAF would continue to promote equal opportunities.
“As your Chief of Defence Staff, I am fully aware that while we have made progress, the path we are heading is by no means easy. But we shall all go through it with our collective effort,” he stated.
He further pledged that the armed forces would remain an institution where opportunities for advancement are based on merit and performance rather than gender.
“We will ensure that the RSLAF remains a place of equal opportunity, where your performance determines your progression and not your gender,” Brigadier General Bangura said.
He also promised continued mentorship and institutional support for women seeking to attain higher positions of responsibility and command within the armed forces.
The CDS encouraged young female recruits and cadets to draw inspiration from senior women serving in the military, describing them as examples of what is possible through dedication, discipline and perseverance.
“To the young female recruits or cadets watching this parade from afar, looking at your senior colleagues standing tall before you, they are proof that the sky is not the limit; it is just the beginning,” he said.
He also paid tribute to veterans and mothers of the barracks for the sacrifices they had made over the years, saying their contributions had helped lay the foundation for the growing participation of women in the military.
Brigadier General Bangura urged service women to continue demonstrating professionalism, courage and commitment, saying their resilience contributes significantly to the safety and stability of Sierra Leone.
He said the future of the country remained bright because of efforts to mainstream gender within the security services.
“Look at our service women and see what they bring to the table. They bring strength, skill and heroism,” he said.
He concluded by congratulating service women on their special day and called on them to remain committed to their duties and continue flying the flag of Sierra Leone with pride.
“Continue to show the world that really, women are unstoppable. Our nation is safe and stable because of your resilience and commitment,” the CDS said.
