By Amin Kef-Ranger
Madam Musayeroh Barrie, the dynamic Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), has earned national acclaim after being named one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Sierra Leone for 2025. The recognition came during a prestigious awards ceremony hosted on July 11, 2025, at the Freetown International Conference Centre (Bintumani) by Make Impact Global, a leading advocacy organization committed to amplifying the voices of women and youth leaders.
Celebrated across the aviation sector and beyond, Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s selection reflects her outstanding leadership and transformative contributions to civil aviation in Sierra Leone. Her stewardship of the SLCAA has led to critical reforms aimed at aligning the Authority with international aviation standards, enhancing safety oversight and strengthening institutional partnerships across the continent.
Her Excellency, the First Lady of Sierra Leone and Her Excellency Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, former Vice President of The Gambia and Distinguished Grand Chief Patron of the event, delivered powerful keynote addresses that celebrated women’s leadership across various fields including governance, health, education, agriculture, business and the media.
Staff of the Civil Aviation Authority welcomed the news with great joy, praising Madam Musayeroh Barrie for her visionary leadership. “Your visionary leadership, unwavering support and magnanimous spirit continue to inspire greatness in all of us,” they declared. “This honor is a testament to the legacy you are building; one of excellence, empowerment and elevation.”
Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s tenure as Director General has been marked by innovation, inclusion and institutional growth. She has overseen the implementation of new regulatory frameworks, invested in staff training and professional development and built strong links with global aviation bodies. Her efforts have not only elevated the SLCAA’s reputation but also created opportunities for young professionals and women within the sector.
A staunch advocate for gender equality in a male-dominated industry, Madam Musayeroh Barrie has continually broken barriers and set new standards for female leadership. Her rise to prominence has inspired many young Sierra Leonean women to pursue careers in aviation and public service, demonstrating that excellence and determination can overcome long-standing structural obstacles.
The “50 Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards” serve as a platform to recognize and uplift women whose influence drives real societal transformation. Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s recognition underscores how strategic and compassionate leadership can positively shape national institutions and encourage inclusive development.
Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and expand international cooperation highlight the importance of leaders like Madam Musayeroh Barrie. Her achievements serve as a model of focused, progressive leadership. This recognition not only celebrates her accomplishments to date but also affirms her crucial role in shaping the future of civil aviation and advancing women’s leadership across the nation.
