By: Dr. Daniel B. Kaitibi, Executive Director, SLMA
On Sunday, March 8 2026, the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) joined the rest of the world to celebrate International Women’s Day, 2026. The theme \u201cGive to Gain\u201d speaks clearly to us here at Sierra SLMA. In simple terms, the message is this: when we give support, we gain strength. When we give opportunities, we gain progress. When we give women a fair chance, our whole institution becomes better.
For many years, the maritime sector has been seen as a man\u2019s field. From ships in ports to technical offices, men have often been in the majority. But that story is changing.
Today in Sierra Leone, we see women working as administrators, inspectors, legal officers, finance professionals, and technical staff. They are not just participating, but they are also contributing meaningfully.
The real question is not whether women can do the job. They can. The real question is whether we are ready to open more doors.
What \u201cGive to Gain\u201d means to SLMA
At SLMA, \u201cGive to Gain\u201d means taking practical steps. It means:
-Giving young women opportunities for internships and training in maritime studies.
-Giving female staff access to leadership training and professional development.
-Giving women equal chances to apply for promotions and decision-making roles.
-Respecting and promoting women\u2019s rights
-Giving respect to every voice in the room.
When we do this, we gain better ideas. We gain stronger teamwork. We gain a more trusted and professional institution. A team that includes different perspectives makes better decisions. When women are part of policy discussions on maritime safety, environmental protection, and regulation, the quality of our work improves.
In a deliberate effort to implement the Gender Equality and Women\u2019s Empowerment (GEWE) Act, signed into law by President Julius Maada Bio on January 19, 2023, SLMA has achieved female representation exceeding the Act\u2019s 30% benchmark. The GEWE Act is a landmark piece of legislation aimed at addressing long-standing gender inequality in Sierra Leone, mandating a minimum 30% quota for women in parliamentary, local council, and appointed positions, as well as in private sector leadership.
Between 2021-2025, the Administration sponsored a total of six women to pursue further studies (Masters Degrees and training workshops) at the World Maritime University in Sweden and the Regional Maritime University in Ghana respectively, in various areas such as Law, Maritime Safety and Security, Environmental Protection, among others. A total of eight of these women have returned to Sierra Leone and are giving back to the administration and the country at large.
\u201cWorking as an LMV Inspector at the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration has shown me that when institutions invest in women, everyone gains. Through opportunities given to me by SLMA for training at the Regional Maritime University in Ghana, and a workshop in Nigeria, professional growth, and supportive colleagues, I have been able to build my skills and contribute meaningfully to maritime safety,\u2019\u2019 said Grace A.V. Manley, Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) Inspector, Sierra Leone Maritime Administration. \u2018\u2019My journey itself challenges the myth that women cannot thrive in this field. When women empower themselves, learn new skills, and believe in their potential, they prove that anything is achievable.\u201d
\u201cMy passion for environmental protection and sustainable ocean governance led me to the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, where I have been able to contribute to safeguarding our marine environment. I graduated as a civil engineer, but my professional journey began at the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, where I started as a pupil engineer. Through the Administration\u2019s investment in my professional development, including advanced studies (Master\u2019s degree in Maritime Affairs with a specialization in Ocean Sustainable Governance and Management at the World Maritime University in Malm\u00f6, Sweden I have gained the skills to support stronger environmental policies and sustainable maritime practices. My journey shows that the maritime sector offers vast opportunities to women, and I encourage young women to believe in their potential and pursue their ambitions with confidence. This journey has been both challenging and rewarding, and it reflects the importance of perseverance and professional growth.\u201d- Cremelda Thomas, Marine Environmental Protection Manager
\u201cMy journey in the maritime sector has been driven by a passion for protecting Sierra Leone\u2019s ocean resources and contributing to national development. With my background in Marine Science, joining SLMA allowed me to work directly in marine environmental protection, compliance, monitoring and sustainable ocean governance. Since returning home, I have applied this knowledge to strengthen environmental monitoring, support, and policy discussions and promote sustainable ocean management. I believe maritime is a multidisciplinary sector where women can thrive, and my message to women is simple: invest in education, thrive for excellence, and embrace leadership.\u201d- Isha Jebbeh Kpaka. Marine Environmental Protection Supervisor
\u201cI hold a Bachelor of Science (BSC) in Nautical Science (Navigation) from the Regional Maritime University and a Master of Science (MSC) in Maritime Affairs, specializing in Maritime Law and Policy, from the World Maritime University. In addition, I have completed professional courses including a diploma in Port Senior Management and the International Maritime Officers course with the United States Coast Guard. These opportunities were supported through SLMA and professional networks such as Women in Maritime.\u201d- Regina Conteh-Khali, Marine Safety Manager
Additionally, as a way of encouraging girls in schools and universities to consider maritime careers, I just signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Njala University. The primary objective of the MoU is to formalize cooperation between Njala University and SLMA with a view to developing and promoting maritime education and training programmes within Njala University\u2019s curriculum; ensuring that all maritime courses and qualifications offered by the university are endorsed and aligned with SLMA guidelines and Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) convention standards; and strengthening institutional and human capacity for effective maritime governance, research, and workforce development in Sierra Leone. This is another opportunity for women to pursue higher education in Maritime Studies so they can give back to their country. When we give women space to grow, the entire maritime sector grows.
Gender equality is not the responsibility of one institution alone. Government agencies, private shipping companies, training institutions, and civil society must all work together. We must support women already in the system to rise higher. And we must create policies that protect fairness and dignity in the workplace.
Change does not happen by accident. It happens when leaders make clear decisions and follow through.
As Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, I believe leadership is about creating opportunities for others. This International Women\u2019s Day, I reaffirm our commitment to building an inclusive workplace where talent, not gender, determines success.
\u201cGive to Gain\u201d is not just a slogan. It is a reminder that when we invest in people, we strengthen institutions. When we support women, we strengthen families, communities, and our nation.
The maritime sector is like the ocean. It is wide enough for everyone. When we empower both men and women to sail, our journey as a country becomes safer, stronger, and more successful.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By: Dr. Daniel B. Kaitibi, Executive Director, SLMAOn Sunday, March 8 2026, the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":242,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-241","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-item"],"yoast_head":"\n