AYV News, July 23, 2025
The 8th edition of the 50 Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards was held in grand style on Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Freetown, celebrating the remarkable achievements of women who continue to shape Sierra Leone’s social, economic, and political landscape.
The event was marked by the presence of high-profile personalities, most notably Her Excellency Fatoumata JallowTambajang, former Vice President of The Gambia, and Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio.
This year’s ceremony celebrated eight years of consistently recognising female excellence, leadership, and service across various sectors, from governance and health to education, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and media. The presence of both Tambajang and Dr. Bio brought a strong Pan-African significance to the ceremony, emphasizing solidarity among African women leaders.
The event, organized by Kids Advocacy Network in collaboration with national and international partners, drew dignitaries, development partners, gender activists, and civil society leaders. “The awards aim to not only honor women for their outstanding contributions but also to inspire the next generation of female leaders”. Edmond Alim B FornahChairperson of the 50 Most Influential Women Awards stated
First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, herself a recipient of the award, was honored once again for her advocacy and relentless work in promoting girls’ education, ending gender-based violence, and empowering young women through her “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign. Dr. Bio has been a consistent supporter of the awards since its inception and her continued involvement underscores her commitment to amplifying women’s voices in Sierra Leone and beyond.
In her remarks, Dr. Bio expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to the empowerment of women and girls. “When we uplift women, we uplift the nation,” she stated, drawing loud applause from the audience.
Former Gambia Vice President Fatoumata Jallow Tambajangattended the event as the Distinguished Guest of Hon-our, bringing with her decades of experience in African leadership and activism. Known for her instrumental role in Gambia’s democratic transition, Tambajang’s presence highlighted the transnational relevance of women’s empowerment.
In her speech, she emphasized unity among African women and the importance of cross-border collaboration. “The advancement of African women is not limited to one country. We must move together, support each other, and build bridges that transcend borders,” she said.
Tambajang praised the organizers for their consistency and encouraged Sierra Leonean women to continue setting an example on the continent.
The 2024 event marked the eighth edition of the 50 Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards, a milestone that reflects the growing strength of the initiative. Over the years, the platform has highlighted hundreds of women whose work and influence extend beyond national boundaries.
This year’s awardees included a diverse group of trailblazers from public service, academia, business, agriculture, and humanitarian sectors. The list was carefully curated by a panel of experts and stakeholders, ensuring credibility and national representation.
As the curtains closed on the 8th edition, organizers reaffirmed their commitment to growing the platform into a continental movement. Plans are underway to expand the awards to recognize African women leaders across the subregion, further positioning Sierra Leone as a hub for female empowerment.
The ceremony ended on a celebratory note, with music, networking, and renewed calls for solidarity and inclusion across Africa’s gender equality movements.
