By: Dr. Daniel B. Kaitibi, Executive Director, Sierra Leone Maritime Administration
(Op-ed)
International Women’s Day 2026 #GiveToGain
As we celebrate International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8 2026, the theme “Give to Gain” speaks clearly to us here at the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (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’s field. From ships in ports to technical offices, men have often been 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 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 “Give to Gain” means to SLMA- At the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, “Give to Gain” 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’s 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’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act, signed into law by President Julius Masada Bio on January 19, 2023, the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration has achieved female representation exceeding the Act’s 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. All six of these women have returned to Sierra Leone and are giving back to the administration and the country at large.
“Working 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,’’ said Grace A.V. Manley, Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) Inspector, Sierra Leone Maritime Administration.
‘’My 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.”
“My 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’s investment in my professional development, including advanced studies (Master’s degree in Maritime Affairs with a specialization in Ocean Sustainable Governance and Management at the World Maritime University in Malmö, 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.”- Cremelda Thomas, Marine Environmental Protection Manager
“My journey in the maritime sector has been driven by a passion for protecting Sierra Leone’s 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, 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.”- Isha Jebbeh Kpaka. Marine Environmental Protection Supervisor
“ I 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.”- 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’s 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’s Day, I reaffirm our commitment to building an inclusive workplace where talent, not gender, determines success.
“Give to Gain” 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.
