Marian Magdalene Bangura, Strategic Communication Unit
The Deputy Director of Recruitment and Selection at HRMO, Mrs. Deema Kpalayieh, has praised the revised Civil Service Code and Rules 2024 for its inclusion of policies that prioritize the welfare of women. She expressed gratitude to the drafters for ensuring that women’s voices were heard in the reform process.
Speaking during the Government weekly press briefing at the Miatta Conference Centre, Mrs. Kpalayieh welcomed the long-awaited Civil Service Code, noting that while the previous code existed in principle, it was not readily accessible for reference. She praised the leadership of the Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs and HRMO for their commitment to finalizing and approving the revised code.
She highlighted that for years, women have been sidelined in leadership positions, but with the introduction of the revised code, they now have a tool to hold decision-makers accountable and demand meaningful inclusion. Recognizing that women have historically worked in a male-dominated system, she expressed hope that the reforms would help bridge the leadership gap. A major highlight of the revised code is Chapter 14, which is dedicated to advancing women’s participation and ensuring they achieve the 30% quota in leadership and decision-making roles across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The revised Civil Service Code mandates that women must be included in interview and selection panels to ensure a balanced and just recruitment process. The 30% quota will also apply to promotions, transfers, and reassignments, ensuring that women have equal opportunities for career advancement.
In addition to leadership representation, the reforms introduce extended maternity leave benefits. Female civil servants are now entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave, with an additional 30 calendar days to support maternal and child well-being. This policy reflects the government’s commitment to promoting work-life balance and protecting the rights of working mothers.
The revised code also establishes clear guidelines on sexual harassment, defining both verbal and non-verbal harassment, while introducing prevention mechanisms and a structured redress system to protect women in the workplace. These measures aim to create a safer and more inclusive work environment where women feel empowered to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.
Mrs. Kpalayieh emphasized that these reforms would be closely monitored to ensure full implementation and accountability. She encouraged women in the civil service to take an active role in advocating for their rights and ensuring that the new provisions are upheld.
With these reforms, the Government of Sierra Leone is taking a bold step toward gender equity, reaffirming that no nation can thrive without the full participation of women in governance and public service.
