The Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Madam Musayeroh Barrie, has been recognized among Africa’s most distinguished women leaders shaping the future of the continent’s aviation industry during the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Aviation Gender Summit 2026, held in Luanda, Angola, from 21 to 23 July 2026.
The recognition celebrates her outstanding leadership and contribution to the advancement of civil aviation in Sierra Leone and across Africa, placing her among a distinguished group of women leading technical civil aviation organizations on the continent.
Expressing appreciation for the honor, Madam Musayeroh Barrie described the recognition as a testament to the dedication, resilience and determination of women who continue to break barriers and drive meaningful progress within the aviation sector.
“I am honored to be recognized among legendary African women who are working hard to shape the future of Africa’s aviation industry during the ICAO Global Aviation Gender Summit 2026. This recognition is a testament to the dedication, resilience and commitment of women who continue to break barriers and drive progress in the aviation sector across the continent. I remain committed to contributing to the growth and transformation of Africa’s aviation industry while inspiring more women to pursue leadership and excellence in the field,” she stated.
The summit, held under the theme: “Advancing Aviation Through the Empowerment of Women,” focused on translating international commitments into measurable, accountable and sustainable actions that promote gender equality across the global aviation industry.
Building on the momentum of the previous ICAO Global Aviation Gender Summits held in 2018 and 2023, the 2026 gathering brought together Government representatives, aviation regulators, industry leaders, international organizations and development partners to assess progress made in advancing women’s participation while identifying practical strategies for closing existing gender gaps.
Participants explored emerging trends shaping the future of aviation and discussed policies, workforce strategies, leadership pathways and innovative tools designed to strengthen women’s participation across regulatory, operational and technical fields. The summit also emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making, skills development, training opportunities and stronger partnerships to accelerate women’s empowerment throughout the aviation ecosystem.
The event highlighted the growing number of women leading Africa’s aviation institutions, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and Civil Aviation Authorities in Angola, Cameroon, Eswatini, Namibia, Sierra Leone and South Africa.
Discussions further underscored the need to create safer workplaces, promote equitable pay, improve work-life balance and eliminate societal barriers that continue to limit women’s advancement in aviation. Delegates agreed that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to meeting the increasing demands of the rapidly evolving global aviation industry.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s recognition marks another significant milestone for Sierra Leone’s aviation sector, reflecting the country’s growing visibility in international aviation leadership while reinforcing the SLCAA’s commitment to promoting excellence, innovation and gender inclusion within the industry.
