The Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Musayeroh Barrie, has urged girls to reject self-doubt, overcome societal expectations and pursue their ambitions, particularly in professions traditionally dominated by men, stressing that education, confidence and determination could open doors to opportunities they might never have imagined.
Drawing from her personal journey from studying psychology to becoming a leader in the aviation sector, Musayeroh Barrie encouraged young women to embrace their individuality, develop a “winning mentality” and never allow rejection, criticism or setbacks to determine their future.
She made the call during the 11th Annual National Girls Empowerment Forum 2026, held at the Sierra Leone Parliament on Tower Hill, Freetown, from 28 to 31 October, under the theme “Her Choice Is to Be in School, Not in the Matrimonial Home.”
Speaking during a panel discussion, Musayeroh Barrie emphasized the importance of self-acceptance, mental wellbeing, education and the determination to succeed, particularly for girls aspiring to enter professions where women remain underrepresented.
She encouraged participants to develop a strong sense of identity and understand that their worth is not determined by their physical appearance, background or the expectations of others.
The SLCAA Director General highlighted the growing influence of social media on young people’s perceptions of themselves, noting that constant exposure to carefully projected images had intensified societal pressure surrounding physical appearance.
She advised girls to appreciate themselves as they were, stressing that any decision to change their appearance should be guided by personal health and wellbeing rather than the desire to imitate others.
Drawing from her personal experience, Musayeroh Barrie disclosed that she had been bullied at school because of her weight and had once stopped eating at the age of 15.
She explained that the experience taught her that body size does not determine a person’s worth, identity or ability to succeed.
She urged girls to place greater emphasis on their health, mental wellbeing, intelligence, skills and knowledge, rather than allowing concerns about their appearance to undermine their confidence.
Musayeroh Barrie also underscored the responsibility of families, schools and communities in creating supportive environments where young women could develop confidence and learn to appreciate their individuality.
Reflecting on her upbringing in England, she revealed that she had struggled to embrace her name because of the way others treated it. However, after returning to Sierra Leone, she developed a greater appreciation for its beauty and uniqueness.
She said the experience reinforced her understanding of how society and culture could influence people’s perceptions of themselves, urging girls to recognize that their differences in appearance, background and identity are part of what made them unique.
According to Musayeroh Barrie, young women could turn their individuality into an advantage once they learn to accept and appreciate themselves.
Addressing girls aspiring to careers in aviation, politics, engineering and other fields where women remain underrepresented, she acknowledged that they would inevitably encounter criticism, doubt and people questioning their abilities.
She advised them to identify what they wanted to achieve, understand their reasons for pursuing those ambitions and establish practical steps towards realizing them.
Musayeroh Barrie explained that achieving professional goals could require formal education, practical experience and the willingness to take advantage of unexpected opportunities. She encouraged girls to remain open to different pathways, noting that success does not always follow a predetermined course.
Sharing her professional journey, she disclosed that her entry into the aviation sector had not been part of her original career plan. Having initially studied psychology, she had intended to pursue counselling before an opportunity introduced her to aviation.
She said she subsequently spent 13 years in the sector, including 11 years at a crossroads in her career, before eventually becoming Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority.
Her experience, she explained, demonstrated the importance of remaining open-minded and recognizing opportunities that could emerge outside one’s original plans.
Musayeroh Barrie further emphasized that setbacks, disappointments and rejection are inevitable parts of the journey to success. She encouraged girls not to allow a single disappointment or closed door to discourage them from pursuing their ambitions.
Instead, she urged them to empower themselves, remain determined and develop what she described as a “winning mentality.”
She cautioned against limiting beliefs, particularly among girls aspiring to demanding professions, stressing that young women should not tell themselves they could not become engineers or succeed in other technical and professional fields.
She maintained that with the appropriate education, skills, determination and confidence, girls could overcome barriers and achieve their career objectives.
On the inclusion of women and girls living with disabilities, Musayeroh Barrie highlighted the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority’s approach to recruitment and professional development, explaining that the institution actively looked out for young women who had graduated in science, mathematics and engineering.
She said recruitment decisions are based on expertise, qualifications and the ability to perform the required duties rather than gender.
She added that qualified women and young women were prioritized for suitable positions within the institution, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for women to contribute meaningfully to professional and technical fields.
The SLCAA Director General also called on leaders and institutions to make themselves accessible to young people, noting that participation in empowerment programmes could provide valuable opportunities for guidance, mentorship and professional development.
She stressed that supporting young people does not necessarily have to involve offering them employment, explaining that access to experienced professionals, practical advice and mentorship could significantly influence their personal and professional development.
Musayeroh Barrie’s participation at the forum highlighted the importance of confidence, education, inclusion and mentorship in enhancing girls’ empowerment, particularly as young women continue to navigate societal expectations and barriers to professional advancement.
The 11th Annual National Girls Empowerment Forum 2026 was held under the theme “Her Choice Is to Be in School, Not in the Matrimonial Home,” placing emphasis on girls’ education, empowerment and the importance of ensuring that young women have the confidence and opportunities to pursue their aspirations.
