Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB) has marked the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration with a humanitarian visit to the Female Correctional Centre in Freetown, where the Bank donated essential items to women currently serving sentences at the facility.
The gesture, carried out on Sunday, March 8, 2026, formed part of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable groups and promoting social inclusion across the country.
A delegation made up of Senior Management and Staff of Rokel Commercial Bank visited the correctional facility to present assorted food items and toiletries intended to improve the welfare of the inmates. Items donated included bags of rice, sanitary pads, onions, cooking oil, soaps, bottled water, toilet rolls, tissues, juices and other household essentials.
Officials of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service warmly received the donation and commended the Bank for demonstrating compassion and solidarity with women in custody.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Deputy Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, Susan B. Coker, expressed appreciation to the Management of Rokel Commercial Bank for remembering the female inmates during the International Women’s Day celebration.
She noted that life within correctional facilities can often be difficult for both inmates and staff, but stressed that the Correctional Service remains committed to its mandate of rehabilitation, reform and reintegration.
According to her, the institution has introduced various vocational and skills training programmes aimed at equipping inmates with practical abilities that can help them rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society after completing their sentences.
Susan B. Coker further called on institutions, Civil Society Organizations and the general public to support awareness campaigns that educate citizens about the laws of Sierra Leone.
She explained that a number of individuals currently in custody may have found themselves in conflict with the law due to lack of adequate knowledge about legal requirements, adding that greater public education could help prevent similar situations in the future.
The Deputy Director General also revealed that the facility houses a few infants born to incarcerated mothers. She explained that only babies who are still breastfeeding are allowed to remain with their mothers within the correctional centre. Once breastfeeding ends and relatives are unavailable to care for the children, they are transferred to the Ministry of Social Welfare for proper support.
She thanked Rokel Commercial Bank for complementing the Government’s efforts in improving the welfare of inmates and assured that the donated items would be utilized appropriately for the benefit of the women.
Delivering a message on behalf of the Bank’s Managing Director, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, the Head of Public Relations, Aruna Dumbuya, conveyed warm International Women’s Day greetings to the inmates.
He encouraged the women to remain hopeful despite their circumstances, emphasizing that difficult moments in life are temporary and that there are opportunities for a fresh start.
Aruna Dumbuya explained that the Bank’s visit was inspired by the 2026 International Women’s Day theme: “Give to Gain (G2G),” which encourages acts of generosity and solidarity within communities.
He added that the Bank believes in supporting vulnerable members of society and reaffirmed Rokel Commercial Bank’s willingness to participate in initiatives that promote awareness of citizens’ rights and responsibilities as a way of reducing crime and strengthening social harmony.
Other members of the Bank’s Senior Management team also addressed the inmates during the visit. Mrs. Brenda Davies offered words of encouragement, urging the women to maintain discipline and positive attitudes while serving their sentences.
She stated that the Bank’s gesture was motivated by genuine care and compassion for the women and expressed hope that many of them would soon regain their freedom and reunite with their families.
Also speaking during the event, the Head of Sim-kopor, Kezia Salankole, thanked the Management of the Correctional Centre for allowing the bBnk to engage with the inmates.
She encouraged the women to take advantage of the skills training opportunities available at the facility, noting that such programmes could help them become self-reliant and better prepared to rebuild their lives after release.
Kezia Salankole further appealed to advocacy organizations and public institutions to intensify civic education campaigns to ensure that citizens clearly understand the country’s laws and responsibilities.
Responding on behalf of the inmates, one of the women expressed gratitude to Rokel Commercial Bank for visiting the facility and providing much-needed support during the International Women’s Day celebration.
She also appealed to organizations and legal advocacy groups to continue supporting inmates and improving access to justice for individuals who may require legal assistance.
The visit concluded in an emotional atmosphere as inmates performed songs reflecting their experiences, hopes and appreciation. Several of them also shared personal messages thanking the Rokel Commercial Bank delegation for remembering them and bringing encouragement during a meaningful global celebration dedicated to women.
