By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Musayeroh Barrie, has called for deliberate structural reforms and strengthened support systems to enhance women’s participation in leadership, particularly within the aviation sector.
She made the statement while addressing delegates at the African Women Leadership Conference 2026, held from April 20 to 21 at the Miatta Conference Centre. The conference, themed: “Redefining Leadership: Women Shaping Africa’s Future,” brought together women leaders and stakeholders to discuss inclusive leadership and national development.
In her remarks, Madam Musayeroh Barrie highlighted the persistent gender imbalance within the aviation industry, noting that critical roles such as piloting, engineering and air traffic control remain largely male-dominated. She emphasized that the disparity is not due to a lack of competence among women, but rather a combination of structural barriers, societal expectations and the demanding nature of the profession.
She described her participation at the conference as an opportunity to amplify the need for systemic change, stressing that breaking barriers requires resilience, courage and purposeful leadership. She also acknowledged the role of Government in promoting inclusion, commending President Julius Maada Bio for policies aimed at increasing women’s representation in leadership.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie cited her own career trajectory as an example of what is possible through determination and opportunity. She noted that she is the first female Director General in Sierra Leone’s civil aviation history, the first in West Africa and among a limited number of women globally to hold such a position.
Despite those achievements, she cautioned against viewing individual milestones as sufficient progress. She stressed that many capable women remain underrepresented due to limited access to mentorship, encouragement and institutional support, calling for more inclusive policies to address those gaps.
Reflecting on her early career, Madam Musayeroh Barrie recounted returning to Sierra Leone in 2010 at the age of 23, where she faced challenges integrating into a system without established networks. She began her career in 2013 as an office assistant despite holding a university degree, later advancing into business development and operations roles. By 2017, she had risen to the position of Country Director, eventually leading to her appointment as Director General.
She emphasized the importance of professionalism, consistency and preparedness, noting that opportunities often arise unexpectedly and must be met with readiness.
On the issue of work-life balance, Madam Musayeroh Barrie underscored the importance of time management and strong support systems, encouraging women to seek assistance where necessary in order to effectively navigate both professional and personal responsibilities.
She also addressed societal attitudes toward women, challenging norms that justify disrespect based on appearance or gender stereotypes. She maintained that responsibility for fostering respectful and inclusive environments lies with all stakeholders, particularly men in leadership positions.
Concluding her address, Madam Musayeroh Barrie highlighted perseverance as a key driver of success, noting that women in leadership often face significant challenges but must remain resilient in pursuit of their goals.
Her remarks reinforced the conference’s central message that advancing women’s leadership in Africa requires intentional reforms, cultural change and sustained investment in empowerment across all sectors.
