Orange Sierra Leone (OSL) Women commemorated International Women’s Day on 10th March 2026 with a vibrant and inspiring event held under the theme “Give to Gain.” The celebration took place at the Orange Digital Center on Hill Station in Freetown, bringing together directors and staff of Orange Sierra Leone, as well as distinguished guests including the company’s CEO, Aïcha Touré; the CEO of Lovely Sierra Leone Limited, Lovetta Kamara; and the Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund in Sierra Leone, Adekunle Adeniyi, to celebrate the achievements and advancement of women.Delivering the welcome address, the President of OSL Women, Pricilla Okechuku, highlighted the significance of the occasion as participants proudly showcased their Africana attire while celebrating the strength, resilience, and purpose of women.She emphasized that empowerment begins from within. “We must first empower ourselves before we can empower others. We cannot pour from an empty cup,” she stated. She further stressed that women must confidently occupy their spaces at the decision making table and support one another in achieving growth.According to Okechuku, the true strength of OSL Women is measured not only by financial success but by the ability to uplift others. She reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to ensuring that no woman is left behind.Victoria Veronica Elba, Head of Treasury, shared her personal journey and encouraged women to protect their boundaries and avoid comparing themselves with others. She urged participants to remain patient, embrace change, and view mistakes as opportunities for growth.Elba also highlighted the importance of listening to family guidance particularly from mothers maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and learning to empower oneself in every aspect of life, including on social media. She concluded with a powerful reminder: “You are more powerful than you think.”Entrepreneur and CEO of Lovely Sierra Leone Limited, Lovetta Kamara, spoke about her business journey and how negative experiences with hygiene products inspired her to create solutions that support women’s comfort and well being.She stressed that successful entrepreneurship lies in identifying problems and developing practical solutions. “Anyone can start a business, but what makes you stand out is your ability to solve real problems,” Kamara said. She also emphasized the importance of knowledge and continuous learning for women who wish to compete effectively in business.Speaking on behalf of the Human Resources department, Raymond Gbla, HR Projects, Process, and Reporting Lead, described empowering women as one of the smartest investments in the future.Gbla highlighted initiatives designed to increase women’s participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), focusing on three key phases: raising awareness, mentorship and networking, and providing support and opportunities. He noted that the initiative aligns perfectly with the event’s theme and Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to helping women lead and occupy key spaces in society.Representing the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Adekunle Adeniyi commended the initiative and reflected on the importance of celebrating women’s achievements while acknowledging the challenges they continue to face.He emphasized that empowering women means giving them opportunities to become economically viable and to unleash their full potential. Adeniyi also highlighted that financial inclusion for women strengthens nations and contributes to building a better world, noting that mentorship and sustained support play a vital role in women’s development.Delivering the keynote address, Orange Sierra Leone CEO Aïcha Touré reflected on the remarkable progress women have made and underscored the importance of investing in women.She revealed that 42% of Orange Sierra Leone’s executive workforce is made up of women, demonstrating the company’s commitment to gender inclusion. Additionally, the company has provided training in the digital economy to 700 young women, with 600 already gaining employment opportunities.“Investing in women is not only the right thing to do; it is the smart thing to do,” Touré stated. She emphasized that when women are given access to opportunities, they become innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who drive economic growth and social progress.The event concluded with a strong message of unity and action, reaffirming Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to empowering women and promoting inclusive development across Sierra Leone.