Susan Baby Koker has been promoted as the new Assistant Director of Corrections, Sierra Leone Correctional Service, the first woman to attain such lofty position in the history of Corrections and also doubles as the Director of Support Service.

According to Madam Koker, coming from a humble beginning, she got her inspiration from a mentor she once admired in the field; breaking the barriers of stereotypes about women in the profession and having the opportunity and expertise from participating in several dialogues and conferences that motivated her.

She further stated that she was attached to the UN and being the first woman to attend the United Nations conference in her profession, she made use of what she learned to inspire herself and other young women in the field. She expressed that the news about her promotion was received with open hands and uttermost confidence and joy through a memo that is normally given for promotions.

She also stating that promotion comes with responsibilities, highlighted some of the impacts that will be done in her administration, by making the Correctional Service more visible and effective to the public, providing the services that are required by the public and also organizing and facilitating mentorship programs for young women in and out of the profession.

Expressing her concern over stereotypes and gender-related issues against women in the profession, she noted that men like to marginalize women making them feel inferior in the profession and regarding them as less important and portrayed as weaker vessels, but that as a woman, the thought of being important should always be considered.

“Regardless of the bias and stereotypes I’ve always beena strong and resilient woman,” she said. The enforcement of the GEWE bill has also helped to build the morale and prestige of Sierra Leonean women making women capable enough to hold prominent positions in the society.

In conclusion, she called on all women to be dedicated and confident in all they do. She also encouraged her colleague women in the service to be focused on achieving their goals.