Rokel Commercial Bank Marks International Women’s Day with Donation to Female Inmates

One of Sierra Leone’s leading commercial banking institutions, Rokel Commercial Bank, on Sunday, 8th March 2026, commemorated International Women’s Day by extending support to female inmates at the Freetown Female Correctional Centre.

The bank marked the occasion by donating various food items and toiletries to women serving sentences at the facility, as part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility and social inclusion.

The delegation from the bank comprised senior management and other staff members. Items presented to the correctional facility included bags of rice, sanitary pads, onions, cooking oil, soaps, bottled water, toilet rolls, tissues, juices and other condiments aimed at supporting the welfare of the inmates.

Receiving the donation, the Deputy Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, Susan B. Coker, expressed profound appreciation to Rokel Commercial Bank for what she described as a compassionate gesture. Speaking in an emotional tone, she noted that life in correctional facilities can be challenging both for inmates and staff, but emphasized that the institution remains committed to carrying out the government’s mandate of rehabilitation.

She explained that the Correctional Service provides several skills training programmes designed to help incarcerated women rebuild their lives and become productive members of society after completing their sentences. Coker also urged Rokel Commercial Bank and other institutions to support advocacy efforts aimed at educating citizens about the laws of the country.

According to her, some women in custody ended up in prison due to ignorance of the law, and public awareness could help reduce crime in society. She further revealed that the facility houses a few infants who were born to incarcerated mothers, noting that only babies who are still breastfeeding are allowed to stay with their mothers. Once breastfeeding ends and no relatives are available to care for the children, they are handed over to the Ministry of Social Welfare.

She thanked the bank for complementing the government’s work in ensuring the welfare of women in custody and assured that the donated items would be used in the best interest of the inmates.

Speaking on behalf of the bank, the Head of Public Relations, Aruna Dumbuya, conveyed International Women’s Day greetings to the inmates on behalf of the Managing Director, Dr Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, as well as the board, management and staff of Rokel Commercial Bank. He encouraged the inmates to remain hopeful and courageous, stressing that no condition is permanent.

Dumbuya also highlighted that ignorance of the law has contributed to many individuals finding themselves in prison, and pledged that the bank would support efforts to raise awareness about citizens’ rights and responsibilities in order to help reduce crime.

He noted that the bank’s visit formed part of its reflection on the 2026 theme “Give to Gain (G2G)”, explaining that the initiative demonstrates the institution’s desire to show solidarity with vulnerable groups and remind the inmates that they are not forgotten.

Other senior management staff, including Mrs. Brenda Davies, also addressed the inmates, offering words of encouragement and urging them to maintain good behaviour while serving their sentences. She emphasized that the bank’s gesture was motivated by genuine concern and compassion for the women, and expressed hope and prayers that some of them would regain their freedom before the end of the year.

Head of Sim-kopor, Kezia Salankole, thanked the management of the correctional centre for giving the bank the opportunity to share love and support with the inmates. She encouraged the women to remain resilient and to reflect on how they want to rebuild their lives after their release. Salankole urged them to make use of the training opportunities available at the facility so they can become empowered and start afresh after leaving prison.

She further called on advocacy groups and institutions to intensify public education on the laws of Sierra Leone so that citizens, particularly those unaware of legal requirements, can better understand their responsibilities and avoid actions that may lead to imprisonment.

In response, one of the inmates expressed gratitude to Rokel Commercial Bank for remembering them during the International Women’s Day celebration. She also appealed to organizations and advocates to continue supporting inmates and promoting access to justice for those who may need legal assistance.

The event concluded on a deeply emotional note as the inmates performed touching songs expressing their experiences, hopes, and gratitude. Several inmates also delivered individual appreciation messages to the Rokel Commercial Bank delegation, thanking them for remembering them during the International Women’s Day celebration and for bringing encouragement and support to the facility.