By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Deputy Director of Recruitment and Selection at the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), Mrs. Deema Kpalayieh, has lauded the recently revised Civil Service Code and Rules 2024 for its strong focus on policies that prioritize the welfare of women in the Sierra Leone civil service.
During her remarks at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education press conference at Youyi Building in Freetown, Mrs. Kpalayieh expressed gratitude to the drafters of the new Code for ensuring that women’s voices were heard and integrated into the reform process, reinforcing the government’s commitment to gender equality in public service.
One of the most notable features of the revised Code is the dedicated chapter (Chapter 14) aimed at achieving a minimum of 30 percent female representation within the civil service. This chapter underscores the importance of ensuring women are not only part of the workforce but are also represented in leadership and decision-making roles across the sector. Mrs. Kpalayieh highlighted this initiative as a significant step toward leveling the playing field for women and enabling their full participation in governance.
“The revised Code is a great stride forward in the recognition of women’s rights in the civil service,” Mrs. Kpalayieh said. “It is vital for any progressive nation to ensure that women are adequately represented in all levels of governance and decision-making. This quota will help increase the visibility and involvement of women in the public sector.”
In addition to promoting gender parity in recruitment and selection, the revised Civil Service Code includes a series of provisions designed to protect and support women throughout their careers. For example, it mandates the inclusion of female representatives on interview and selection panels, as well as other decision-making bodies within the civil service. This ensures that women’s perspectives are taken into account when key decisions are being made and offers greater opportunities for women to influence the direction of policies and programs.
Another important provision in the Code is the introduction of 14 weeks of maternity leave, a move that acknowledges the critical role of women as caregivers while also promoting a work-life balance that supports mothers in the workforce. This extended leave allows women the necessary time to recover and care for their newborns without fear of losing their positions or facing discrimination.
Furthermore, the new Code includes robust measures to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace. A formal redress system has been established to provide victims with a clear and accessible process for reporting any instances of harassment, ensuring that the civil service remains a safe and supportive environment for all employees.
Mrs. Kpalayieh emphasized that the new Code not only benefits women but is also a crucial step toward national development. “Women are integral partners in national development,” she stated. “No country can truly achieve progress without the full and active participation of women in its governance and public service.”
The revised Civil Service Code and Rules 2024 align with the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen gender equality in all sectors of society, and Mrs. Kpalayieh’s praise serves as a recognition of the significant strides being made towards a more inclusive and equitable civil service.
The introduction of the policies is expected to inspire other sectors to follow suit, creating an environment where women can thrive in the workplace and contribute to the country’s growth and development.
