The much-anticipated 50 Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards has officially entered its voting phase today, May 15, 2025, with the public now invited to vote for their most inspiring nominees from a list of 100 outstanding women. The public voting period will run until June 10, 2025. Stated in a press release signed by Edmond Alim B Fornah, Chairperson 50 Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards Committe.
This year marks the eighth edition of the awards, an annual celebration that honors exceptional women who are making transformative contributions across Sierra Leone and beyond. The initiative highlights trailblazers in politics, education, entrepreneurship, media, civil society, security services, community development, and more—amplifying the voices and work of Sierra Leonean women as national changemakers.
The 2025 edition saw an unprecedented 2,004 nominations submitted from every district of Sierra Leone and the diaspora. Due to the overwhelming interest, the nomination window—initially scheduled to close in mid-March—was extended by two weeks to accommodate additional entries and ensure broader inclusivity.
The Awards Vetting Committee, comprised of professionals from various disciplines, undertook a rigorous three-week review process to evaluate each nominee based on their influence, impact, and contributions to national development. The result: a shortlist of 100 phenomenal women selected for their exemplary service and leadership.
With public voting accounting for 30% of the final selection score, Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad now have the opportunity to celebrate these women by casting their votes.
The Grand awards ceremony is on the 28th June 2025.
The 100 nominees include high-profile leaders such as First Lady Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs Dr. IsataMahoi and Prof. Mariam Conteh-Morgan, Vice Chancellor of IPAM Also represented are grassroots champions like Joan A. Kamara, Founder of Cotton Tree Foundation, Mary Baby Sellu, Chairperson of the Pujehun Traders Union, as well as youth innovators, media figures, religious leaders, health professionals, and parliamentarians.
The awards aim to foster a culture of appreciation and recognition for women who are reshaping narratives and driving change in both public and private spaces.
