By: Hawanatu Omotayo Kamara, Regional Director, ACC – Eastern Region (Kenema)
Every year on International Women’s Day, the world unites to celebrate the achievements of women and to renew commitments toward gender equality. The 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights the importance of investing in women through leadership and mentorship to create widespread economic and social benefits.
The theme also calls on leaders, institutions, and individuals to move beyond promises and take bold steps toward implementing the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act (GEWE Act), which seeks to promote and empower women to enjoy equal opportunities in every sphere of life. Section 4(1) of the GEWE Act states: “A public body shall ensure that at least thirty percent (30%) of positions in decision-making are held by women.” In simple terms, institutions are required to promote qualified women into leadership roles to meet this minimum 30 percent representation requirement.
In any institution, real change begins with leadership. It begins with a leader who sees potential rather than gender, a leader who sees capability rather than stereotypes, and who views leadership as an opportunity for inclusion rather than limitation. True leadership is measured not only by results but also by how opportunities are shared.
One such leader is the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. He is a boss who promotes women’s growth and understands that empowering women is not an act of charity but a strategic investment in excellence.
Rather than allowing systemic barriers to persist, Commissioner Kaifala has actively worked to dismantle them. He has cultivated a workplace culture where women feel confident to speak, innovate, and lead. His leadership demonstrates that promoting women within an organisation not only empowers individuals but also contributes to a more balanced, productive, and inclusive work environment.
With this mindset, he has consistently supported capable women by nominating them for awards, strategic assignments, professional training programmes, and conferences that prepare them for higher responsibilities.
Upon his appointment as Commissioner of the ACC, he did not only declare a firm stance against corruption but also prioritized staff welfare; and one key aspect has been the advancement of women within the institution. He believes that when women rise, organisations thrive, and that promoting women contributes to positive changes in workplace culture.
Even before the enactment of the GEWE Act in 2022, Commissioner Kaifala pioneered the Commission’s first-ever all-women promotion initiative, through which fifteen (15) women transitioned from junior roles into managerial and leadership positions. This bold action demonstrated that women’s advancement was not viewed as a favour but as a necessary step toward building a balanced and effective workforce.
In 2025, five out of nine directors promoted within the Commission were women. This reflects a remarkable commitment to women’s growth and leadership by ensuring that they occupy key decision-making roles within the institution.
Today, women hold positions such as principal investigators, heads of units, managers, and other senior roles within the Commission.
This approach has strengthened teamwork, improved organisational performance, and inspired confidence among staff.
The impact of these actions goes far beyond individual promotions. Commissioner Kaifala’s example has helped transform workplace attitudes by demonstrating that supporting women’s leadership is not only fair but also beneficial for the entire institution. Female employees feel valued and motivated, knowing that their contributions are recognized and their ambitions supported.
Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala’s leadership reflects the ideals of gender equality and women’s empowerment. When men in leadership positions become allies in promoting women’s advancement, workplaces become more equitable and progressive. He has shown that true leadership is measured not only by personal achievements but also by the ability to uplift others.
While the GEWE Act calls for a minimum of thirty percent (30%) representation for women, Commissioner Kaifala has gone further. At the ACC, women now occupy approximately forty percent (40%) of leadership positions, demonstrating a commitment that goes beyond compliance to genuine transformation.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2026, the message to women everywhere is clear: opportunity has been created, embrace it and use it meaningfully and visibly.
To the men, celebrating women is important, but investing in their growth is transformational. A leader who champions women’s advancement truly embodies the spirit of this global celebration. Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala has indeed proven himself to be a “HeForShe” leader who walks the talk.
Credit: Public Relations Unit, ACC
