The Selection and Steering Committee of the 9th Fifty Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards has unveiled the recipients of the 2026 awards, recognizing fifty exceptional women whose leadership, resilience, innovation and dedication continue to make significant contributions to Sierra Leone’s national development.
The announcement was made on 17 July 2026 by the Chairperson of the Awards Committee, Edmond Alim B. Fornah, following what organizers described as a rigorous, transparent and highly competitive selection process that attracted thousands of nominations from Sierra Leoneans both at home and across the diaspora.
According to the Committee, this year’s edition recorded 2,006 nominations, reflecting the growing prestige and national relevance of the initiative as one of Sierra Leone’s leading platforms for celebrating women’s achievements. After a comprehensive screening process based on established selection criteria, 100 outstanding nominees were shortlisted for public voting.
Public participation reached a record level, with more than 100,000 votes cast by citizens and members of the Sierra Leonean diaspora. The Committee said the unprecedented response demonstrates increasing public confidence in the integrity and credibility of the awards.
However, organizers emphasized that public voting represented only one component of the overall assessment. Final award recipients were selected through a comprehensive evaluation process that considered each nominee’s professional achievements, leadership qualities, community impact, innovation, integrity and overall contribution to national development.
Leading the list of award recipients is Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone and President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OFLAD), in recognition of her sustained advocacy for women, girls and vulnerable communities both nationally and internationally.
Also honoured is Dr. Jeredine Loretta D. Dingie, General Overseer, banker and women’s empowerment advocate, whose longstanding commitment to community development and female empowerment has impacted many lives across the country.
The 2026 award recipients represent a broad spectrum of sectors, including Government, healthcare, education, business, law, agriculture, media, civil society and international development, highlighting the growing influence of Sierra Leonean women in shaping national progress.
Among those recognized are Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi, Managing Director of the Sierra Leone Water Company; Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs; Musayeroh Barrie, Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority; Dr. Joan H. Shepherd, a respected leader in nursing and midwifery administration; and Dr. Valerie John Cole, a distinguished obstetrician and gynecologist.
The awards also celebrate distinguished women serving in governance and public administration, including Members of Parliament Hon. Rosemarie Bangura, Hon. Rugiatu Rosy Kanu, Hon. Rachael M.S. Pessima, Hon. Mariama M. Zombo, and Hon. Hawa Conteh.
In the private sector and entrepreneurship, recognition was accorded to Fatu Abiode of Tamdel Investment, Mrs. Onike King of Excel School and GEED Foundation, Mrs. Olive Baimba of Olive B. Academy, Mariama Kalokoh of the Unity Women Agricultural Business Cooperative, and Mrs. Sonia Jaffal, Chief Executive Officer of Babies Props by Sonia.
The legal and healthcare professions were equally represented, with honours going to Justice Isatu Sellu Tucker of the High Court and Dr. Marcella Ryan Coker, an accomplished orthopedic surgeon.
International development organizations also featured prominently among this year’s recipients, with awards presented to Ben Kaifala, Country Representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), alongside Kadie B. Taylor and Kadie Jumu Peters of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Committee also acknowledged the increasing influence of women in media, technology, youth leadership and innovation. Those honoured include social media influencer Alfina Emma Kamara, President of the Sierra Leone Models Union Fatima Mahawa Sandi, Chief Executive Officer of the Kamara Yokie Innovation Centre Hawa Yokie and Fiona Ngaima, President of the National Union of Sierra Leone Students.
Speaking on behalf of the Awards Committee, Chairperson Edmond Alim B. Fornah expressed appreciation to the thousands of Sierra Leoneans who participated in the nomination and voting processes, as well as to the initiative’s partners, sponsors and members of the media for their continued support.
He also congratulated all nominees, noting that being shortlisted alone reflects the remarkable impact each woman has made within her profession and community.
“Congratulations to the 2026 Award Recipients. May this recognition inspire even greater service, leadership and commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous Sierra Leone,” the Committee stated.
Organized by Kids Advocacy Network Sierra Leone, the Fifty Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards has, over the past nine years, evolved into one of the country’s most respected national recognition platforms, celebrating women whose leadership, excellence and service continue to transform communities and advance Sierra Leone’s development agenda.
