AYV News, June 16, 2025
The Organising Committee of the 50 Most Influential SierraLeonean Women Awards & Dinner and the 29 women and youth-focused advocacy organisations behind this noble initiative have officially announced the 2025 list of our 50 Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Award Recipients.
Award Chairperson and Executive Director, Kids AdvocacyNetwork, Edmond Alim B. Fornah, said over the past weeks, they have witnessed an overwhelming display of public interest and participation in the voting process, which hasonce again affirmed that this initiative belongs to the people of Sierra Leone.
He said the passion and engagement they have seen throughout this process have been inspiring, and they remain grateful for the support, trust, and confidence placed in them as they lead this important national recognition.
Edmond Alim B. Fornah said, “As always, the selection process has been anchored on our established Standard Operating Procedures, which ensure transparency, fairness,and integrity. Each nominee was assessed based on two critical components:
• 70% on their verified profiles, achievements, and impact intheir respective fields; and
• 30% of the public votes received during the just-concluded25-day voting period.
“The women whose names we are about to announce today have demonstrated exceptional leadership, courage, innovation, and resilience. Their journeys reflect the very best of Sierra Leonean womanhood. Women who have dared to dream, overcome challenges, and leave lasting footprints in our society. They are not just recipients of an award; they are symbols of hope, hard work, and national progress.
“What makes this initiative even more significant is that ittranscends titles, positions, or affiliations
– it celebrates women from all walks of life whose efforts havestrengthened families, transformed their communities or professional environment, and inspired generations. This is a national platform where every story matters, and every contribution counts toward building a stronger, more inclusive Sierra Leone. Beyond the annual awards, this initiative, which culminated in an impactful movement, has long been committed to practical empowerment and social impact.
“Nearly a decade ago, we expanded our work to young girls through our Annual National Girls Empowerment Forum, an event that provides mentorship, leadership development, andcapacity-building opportunities for young girls in schools andtertiary institutions. Through the years, we have also provided educational support and school learning materials to vulnerable communities across the country”.
In addition, he went on, “we have continuously supporteddetermined but underprivileged girls to access tertiary education, offering scholarships and financial assistance where needed. Through the generous support of our past awardees and other committed partners, we have provided consistent mentorship to over a hundred girls annually, building a generation of empowered, confident, and purposeful young women who are determined to change their own stories and contribute meaningfully to national development”.
Over the years, the 50 Most Influential Sierra LeoneanWomen Awards has grown into not only a prestigious national recognition but also a movement that amplifies the voices of women who continue to break glass ceilings in governance, business, health, education, agriculture, entrepreneurship,media, and many other sectors. The 2025 edition is yetanother testament to the growing strength and visibility ofSierra Leonean women, both at home and across the globalstage.
“I am also pleased to officially inform the public that thegrand 2025 Awards and Dinner Ceremony will be held on11th July 2025 at the Freetown International ConferenceCentre (Bintumani). We are further honoured to announce that Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Republic of SierraLeone, will serve as the Keynote Speaker for this year’s event.In addition, we are highly privileged to welcome HerExcellency Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, Former VicePresident of The Gambia, who will serve as the Distinguished Grand Chief Patron for the 2025 Awards Ceremony. Thisevent promises to be a celebration of excellence, resilience,and the remarkable achievements of Sierra Leonean women who continue to inspire positive change both within our borders and beyond. Once again, congratulations to all our2025 awardees. May your light continue to shine, and your impact continue to inspire”. Edmond Alim B. Fornah concluded.
