Telling It As It Was

When public bureaucracies are weak and corrupt, national economies and citizens' wellbeing suffer. "Telling It As It Was: The Career of a Sierra Leonean Woman in Public Service" is a compelling analysis of how Sierra Leone's bureaucracy was rendered dysfunctional in the 1970s and 1980s by powerful interests, corruption, ethno-regional politics and nepotism. It is the story of Umu Kultumie Tejan-Jalloh's experiences and challenges in public service covering almost thirty years. By recounting her experiences in the civil service, public corporations and private sector in seven different jobs, the book throws considerable light on the abuse of power and corruption in the recruitment, confirmation, training, promotion and management of staff. Reflecting on her experiences as a humanitarian worker during Sierra Leone's war, the book also provides invaluable insights on the activities of the government's humanitarian relief agency, United Nations institutions and other humanitarian organisations in the repatriation, resettlement and reintegration of refugees and internally displaced people. Gender issues such as polygamy, female circumcision, sexual harassment and cultural identity, as well as her experiences as a student in the United States are also extensively discussed with fresh insights.