By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Female Parliamentary Caucus (SLEFPAC), with the support of Orange Sierra Leone, observed the Orange Day Celebration and officially launched its Strategic Plan under the theme, “Accelerating Action: Strengthening Women’s Leadership and Civic Engagement for Inclusive Governance.” The event, held on Thursday March 13, 2025 at the Parliament Building on Tower Hill, Freetown, was part of the ongoing commemoration of International Women’s Day.
As part of the event’s Development Partner’s Conversation, the discussion centered on the theme “Where are we in terms of implementing the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act, 2022?” Speaking on this, Orange Sierra Leone’s Head of Sales for Business to Business (B2B) and Orange Women’s President, Priscilla Okechuwu, highlighted the company’s strides in implementing the Act.
“Orange understands the importance of supporting women and in terms of employment, I am proud to say we have surpassed the 30% quota dictated by the GEWE Act. Currently, our female workforce stands at 33%, exceeding the required threshold,” she stated.
She further emphasized the company’s efforts in ensuring gender inclusivity within leadership positions. “Out of our 14 Directors, six are women, representing 40% of our senior management. We are working towards achieving a 50/50 gender balance in decision-making roles within the company. Additionally, our Group CEO is a woman, reflecting our commitment to promoting female leadership at all levels.”
Priscilla Okechuwu also highlighted Orange Sierra Leone’s collaborative efforts with the Government through its Orange Foundation initiatives, such as the establishment of the Orange Digital Centre (ODC), which aims to empower women and girls through digital skills and entrepreneurship training. She added that the company actively provides local and international training for female staff and offers soft loans to both male and female employees, reinforcing their commitment to gender empowerment.
In her remarks, SLEFPAC Vice President, Hon. Rosemarie Bangura, acknowledged Orange Sierra Leone’s steadfast support for women’s empowerment and gender equality.
“Orange has been an unwavering partner in our mission to promote gender equality. Today’s celebration is not just a ceremonial event; it is a call to action. While we have made progress in advocating for women’s rights and increasing their representation in governance, there is still much work to be done. Over the past few years, with the support of our partners, we have seen a remarkable increase in female participation in Parliament and decision-making processes,” she stated.
Hon. Rosemarie Bangura further highlighted the importance of policies such as the GEWE Act in ensuring women’s representation and leadership in governance. She also referenced legislative advancements, including the Child Marriage Act, the Sexual Offenses Act and the amended Customary Land Rights Act, all of which reinforce women’s rights and inclusion in national development.
British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, H.E. Josephine Gauld, also graced the occasion, emphasizing the need for greater gender equity and women’s political leadership.
“Gender inequalities persist globally, slowing social progress and economic development. Women remain underrepresented in political leadership at all levels. However, Sierra Leone has been making significant strides in this regard, increasing female representation in Parliament, Government and grassroots leadership,” she noted.
She reaffirmed the British High Commission’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts in advancing gender equality. “We are committed to working with you to break down barriers to gender equality, whether through education, improving reproductive health services, reducing maternal mortality or empowering women economically.
”Orange Sierra Leone continues to play a pivotal role in advancing women’s empowerment in the country, reinforcing its commitment to gender inclusion and equality. As the company’s slogan affirms, Orange is Here! Orange de ya!
