By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Hawa Sally Samai, Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) in Sierra Leone, has been awarded the prestigious Global Women Power Award for her remarkable contributions to peacebuilding and social transformation. The honour was presented during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly at the City University of New York Graduate Center, recognizing her leadership, innovation and global impact in fostering peace and inclusion.
The award celebrates Ms. Hawa Sally Samai’s tireless commitment to promoting dialogue, reconciliation and national cohesion in Sierra Leone and beyond. Through the ICPNC, she has championed initiatives that strengthen social harmony and empower women and youth to play active roles in peacebuilding. Her work aligns with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, which advocates for greater inclusion of women in decision-making processes related to peace and conflict resolution.
Under Hawa Sally Samai’s leadership, the ICPNC has developed innovative mechanisms such as peace roadmaps, early warning systems and multi-stakeholder dialogues that have strengthened trust and resilience in communities across Sierra Leone. Her model of community-driven peacebuilding has drawn international attention, positioning Sierra Leone as a success story in post-conflict recovery and national cohesion.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Hawa Sally Samai expressed profound gratitude to the people of Sierra Leone for their belief in peace and unity. “Peace is not a destination, it’s a daily commitment,” she said. “This award belongs to every Sierra Leonean who chooses dialogue over division and compassion over conflict.”
She reaffirmed her vision of a Sierra Leone where peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of justice, inclusion and opportunity. Her leadership has fostered collaboration among Government institutions, Civil Society, traditional leaders and the media to ensure lasting stability and shared national progress.
The story of Hawa Sally Samai is one of extraordinary resilience and courage. At the age of fifteen, she endured female genital mutilation (FGM), a traumatic experience that became the foundation of her lifelong advocacy for women’s rights and social justice. Breaking cultural taboos, she became one of the first young women in Sierra Leone to publicly campaign against harmful traditional practices, giving voice to countless girls and women who had long suffered in silence.
Her activism began at the grassroots level, mobilizing women and youth to speak openly about gender-based violence and inequality. Over time, her voice evolved into a national force for change, influencing policies and shaping conversations about dignity, equality and human rights.
Today, as the head of the ICPNC, Hawa Sally Samai continues to build bridges across divides, ensuring that reconciliation and national unity remain at the heart of Sierra Leone’s democratic development. She is also the founder of the Women’s Situation Room and the African Women’s Action for Peace and Empowerment Network (AWAPEN); two groundbreaking initiatives empowering women and youth to participate in governance and peace processes across Africa.
Ms. Hawa Sally Samai’s influence transcends Sierra Leone’s borders. She has represented the nation in numerous international dialogues on peace, governance and gender inclusion, earning widespread respect as a fearless advocate for justice and human dignity.
Her recognition at the UN platform cements her reputation as one of Africa’s leading peacebuilders; an embodiment of how personal pain can be transformed into powerful purpose. Through her work, Sierra Leone continues to inspire the world as a nation where reconciliation and resilience pave the path toward sustainable peace.
Congratulations to Hawa Sally Samai; a symbol of hope, courage and transformative leadership whose legacy reminds the world that peace is not passive, but powerful.
