The recent appointment of the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Ms Zainab Bangura, to serve as United Nations Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict has inspired several members of women organizations in Sierra Leone to hope for a brighter future and the opportunity to serve in positions of international repute.

This was made known on Monday when some representatives of female organizations including the 50/50 Group, Forum for Africa Women and Education FAWE, Women's Forum, Young Women's Christian Association YWCA and the Market Women's Association of Sierra Leone Vision Group, met with Ms Bangura at her Youyi Building office to appreciate her for the new appointment and to express their individual hopes for their futures.

Ms. Mariatu Sesay of the 50/50 Group said the minister's new appointment has told them that Sierra Leonean women are growing and ready to work side by side with men and not only within the country but worldwide.

"I am sure our sister will go and sell Sierra Leone women at the UN. Her performance would make us reach there too," Ms. Sesay said.

President of the Women's Forum Sierra Leone, Ms. Maude Peacock said they are proud of the recent international awards and recognition received by the minister.

Ms. Bangura described her new appointment as God-destined and cited some of the envisaged responsibilities of the new job such as leaving her country to another, meeting with new people and environmental changes.

She also told the visiting women that she would be going with support from President Ernest Koroma's leadership and government and would strive to give all her best to lift Sierra Leone higher.