Madam Musayeroh Barrie, Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), was recognized among Africa’s most distinguished women leaders shaping the continent’s aviation industry. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Aviation Gender Summit 2026, held in Luanda, Angola, from July 21 to 23, 2026, honored her for outstanding leadership and contributions to civil aviation in Sierra Leone and across Africa. Madam Barrie stated, "I am honored to be recognized among legendary African women who are working hard to shape the future of Africa’s aviation industry during the ICAO Global Aviation Gender Summit 2026." She added that this recognition reflects the "dedication, resilience and commitment of women who continue to break barriers and drive progress in the aviation sector across the continent."
Summit Focuses on Gender Empowerment
The ICAO Global Aviation Gender Summit 2026, held in Luanda, Angola, focused on the theme “Advancing Aviation Through the Empowerment of Women.” This event brought together a diverse group of participants, including Government representatives, aviation regulators, industry leaders, international organizations, and development partners. The summit noted the increasing presence of women in leadership roles within Africa’s aviation institutions. Organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) were noted, alongside Civil Aviation Authorities in Angola, Cameroon, Eswatini, Namibia, Sierra Leone, and South Africa, all of which are led by women. Previous ICAO Global Aviation Gender Summits took place in 2018 and 2023, establishing a precedent for these discussions.
Addressing Aviation's Workplace Challenges
Discussions at the ICAO Global Aviation Gender Summit 2026 showed several key areas for improvement within the aviation sector. Participants focused on the urgent need to create safer workplaces for all employees, ensuring environments free from harassment and discrimination. Promoting equitable pay structures was also a central theme, aiming to close gender-based wage gaps across various roles in the industry. The summit addressed the importance of improving work-life balance for aviation professionals, recognizing its impact on retention and overall well-being. A significant part of the dialogue centered on strategies to eliminate societal barriers that impede women's advancement and full participation in aviation, from entry-level positions to leadership roles. These conversations aimed to foster a more inclusive and supportive industry globally.
A Milestone for Sierra Leone
Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s recognition marks a significant milestone for Sierra Leone’s aviation sector. She stated, "I am honored to be recognized among legendary African women who are working hard to shape the future of Africa’s aviation industry during the ICAO Global Aviation Gender Summit 2026." Madam Barrie elaborated that the recognition reflects "the dedication, resilience and commitment of women who continue to break barriers and drive progress in the aviation sector across the continent." She added, "I remain committed to contributing to the growth and transformation of Africa’s aviation industry while inspiring more women to pursue leadership and excellence in the field."
Director's Perspective
Madam Musayeroh Barrie, Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), has consistently advocated for increased participation of women in the aviation sector. She has previously emphasized the importance of mentorship and creating pathways for women to enter and advance within the industry across Africa. The Director General’s leadership at the SLCAA contributes to Sierra Leone’s engagement with international bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC). Her perspective frequently notes the need for collaborative efforts to address systemic challenges that hinder gender equality in aviation. This includes promoting policies that support professional development and offer equitable opportunities for all.