By Isatu Sankoh
Women of Orange Sierra Leone commemorated International Women’s Day with a vibrant celebration aimed at promoting empowerment, leadership and inclusive growth under the theme: “Give to Gain.”
The event, held on 10 March 2026 at the Orange Digital Center, brought together Directors and Staff of the telecommunications company alongside invited guests and development partners to celebrate the achievements and advancement of women in society.
Among the distinguished personalities present were the Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Aïcha Touré; the Chief Executive Officer of Lovely Sierra Leone Limited, Lovetta Kamara and the Sierra Leone Country Representative of United Nations Population Fund, Adekunle Adeniyi.
Delivering the welcome address, the President of OSL Women, Pricilla Okechuku, described the celebration as a moment of reflection and recognition of the strength, resilience and contributions of women. Participants attended the event dressed in colorful Africana attire, symbolizing pride in cultural identity and the collective spirit of women’s empowerment.
Pricilla Okechuku stressed that empowerment must begin with self-belief and personal development. She encouraged women to take their rightful place in leadership and decision-making spaces while supporting one another to grow.
“We must first empower ourselves before we can empower others. We cannot pour from an empty cup,” she said, adding that the success of OSL Women is measured not only by financial progress but also by the ability to uplift and inspire others. She reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to ensuring that no woman is left behind.
Also speaking at the event, Victoria Veronica Elba, Head of Treasury at Orange Sierra Leone, shared personal reflections on her professional journey and urged women to remain patient, embrace change and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
She advised participants to protect their personal boundaries and avoid comparing themselves with others, while also emphasizing the importance of listening to family guidance, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and using social media responsibly.
“You are more powerful than you think,” Victoria Veronica Elba told participants.
Entrepreneur Lovetta Kamara used the platform to narrate her business journey, explaining how her experiences with hygiene products inspired her to establish a company focused on improving women’s comfort and well-being.
According to Lovetta Kamara, successful entrepreneurship depends on identifying real challenges and developing practical solutions.
“Anyone can start a business, but what makes you stand out is your ability to solve real problems,” she said, urging women to invest in knowledge and continuous learning in order to compete effectively in the business world.
Representing the Human Resources Department of Orange Sierra Leone, Raymond Gbla, HR Projects, Process and Reporting Lead, described women’s empowerment as one of the most strategic investments any organization can make.
Raymond Gbla highlighted ongoing initiatives within the company aimed at increasing women’s participation in STEM fields; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The initiatives focus on raising awareness, promoting mentorship and networking, and providing opportunities that allow women to develop their skills and leadership potential.
He noted that those efforts align with the event’s theme and reinforce the company’s commitment to supporting women to occupy key spaces in society.
Speaking on behalf of UNFPA, Adekunle Adeniyi commended Orange Sierra Leone for organizing the initiative and emphasized the importance of recognizing women’s achievements while addressing the challenges they continue to face.
He stated that empowering women involves creating opportunities for them to become economically independent and to realize their full potential. According to Adekunle Adeniyi, financial inclusion for women strengthens societies and contributes significantly to national development.
Delivering the keynote address, CEO Aïcha Touré highlighted the remarkable strides women have made within Orange Sierra Leone and across the broader society.
She disclosed that women currently constitute 42 percent of the company’s executive workforce, reflecting the organization’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive leadership.
Aïcha Touré also revealed that Orange Sierra Leone has provided digital economy training to 700 young women, with 600 already securing employment opportunities as a result of the initiative.
“Investing in women is not only the right thing to do; it is the smart thing to do,” she stated. “When women are given access to opportunities, they become innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders who drive economic growth and social progress.”
The celebration concluded with a renewed commitment from Orange Sierra Leone to continue supporting women’s empowerment, leadership development and inclusive growth, while encouraging women across the country to pursue opportunities that enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
