Colonel Doctor Thomashire Anita George is the most senior uniformed woman in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF). A medical doctor by training, she leads both the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit and the Pediatric and Under-Fives Unit at 34 Military Hospital in Freetown—Sierra Leone’s second-largest medical facility. She shares why improving health services for uniformed women is essential to strengthening the RSLAF.
Colonel Doctor Thomashire George has served in the RSLAF for nearly two decades, making her the most senior uniformed woman in the force. Photo: UN Women/Helen Mayelle
I was interested in joining the military for a long time. When the civil war broke out in Sierra Leone, I wanted to help my country and the people. The RSLAF was seeking doctors and after graduating from medical school in 2001, I sent in my application. My parents were scared as we had lost family members in the war – my cousin was hit by a landmine. I had to withdraw my application, but when the opportunity came again in 2008, I took it.
Today, there is a need to increase the number of medical personnel that can handle obstetrics and gynaecological needs for all women personnel. Nearly all doctors, midwives, and nurses are based in Freetown. As a result, women from RSLAF must travel there to access medical services – something that isn’t always possible, especially for active-duty officers.
Mental health support is another primary need to be met. Balancing home and work is often a significant source of stress. Our culture in Sierra Leone has not evolved much so when it comes to taking care of the home, it is seen as the primary role of the woman. For women in the military, there is often a feeling of being scrutinized or having to go that ‘extra mile’ to prove themselves.
When women serve in security roles, we strengthen our forces and make our communities safer — but we cannot do this without the support we deserve. Quality healthcare is essential for women’s well-being and leadership. When women’s health is prioritized, our representation grows, our voices are heard, and our contributions to peace and security reach their full potential.
With Elsie Initiative Fund support, RSLAF has launched a two-year partnership with UN Women Sierra Leone to strengthen the participation and capacity of uniformed women in UN Peace Operations. Informed by findings of a 2022 Measuring Opportunities for Women in Peacekeeping (MOWIP) study, the project will target key interventions such as reviewing RSLAF gender-mainstreaming policies; improving healthcare services for women officers, including reporting mechanisms for sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV); and expanding capacity building for women personnel, including career development and UN peace operation preparation.
