By Ibrahim John Sesay
The Advocacy for Women and Youth Employment (AWYE) brought together community leaders, families and well-wishers at Carew Hall in Waterloo to celebrate the outstanding achievements of rural women during the 7th Edition of the “30 Most Influential Women in Western Area Rural District” Awards; an evening filled with inspiration, pride and recognition of women driving change in their communities.
Themed: “Celebrating Rural Women of Excellence,” the prestigious event brought together award recipients, community leaders, entrepreneurs, farmers, teachers, market women and Government officials, all united in recognizing women’s remarkable impact on community development across the Western Area Rural District.
In his welcome address, AWYE’s Executive Director and Chairman of the Awards, Ibrahim Marvel Kamara, expressed profound appreciation to all honorees for their dedication and service to their communities. He explained that the awards were designed to spotlight women who continue to show leadership, resilience and innovation in their respective fields.
“The journey to this 7th edition began months ago with a call for nominations that attracted over 213 submissions,” Ibrahim Marvel Kamara said. “After a careful vetting process, 50 outstanding women were shortlisted and through public voting, we are proud to celebrate the final 30 phenomenal women whose stories of strength and transformation continue to inspire us all.”
He emphasized that rural women play a vital role in driving local development, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, education, entrepreneurship and governance.
The President of the Western Area Rural District Influential Women Network, Hon. Haja Miatta Amara, presented her executive members and lauded the honorees for their contributions. “We can be strong only when we support each other,” she remarked.
Launching the official award magazine, Madam Hawa Sallay Samai, Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, praised the organizers for documenting the achievements of the honorees. “This is not just an ordinary magazine; it is a legacy that will live for ages,” she said, encouraging women to obtain copies and celebrate their peers.
Professor Fredline M’Cormack-Hale, current President of the 50/50 Group, congratulated the awardees for their steadfast commitment to community service. “As President of the 50/50 Group, I am honored to celebrate you. More women, better politics; better politics, more women,” she said, urging women to aspire to leadership positions.
In her goodwill message, Dr. Aminata Sesay, President of the Eminent Women Network, shared the organization’s regional work across Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of women’s participation in governance and election monitoring.
Madam Marcella Samba Sesay, Executive Director of the Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), commended AWYE for recognizing rural women, often overlooked in favor of their urban counterparts. “You have been identified as leaders and influencers in your communities,” she said. “Lead with passion and continue to drive awareness and transformation.”
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Nemata Majeks-Walker, Founding President of the 50/50 Group, expressed pride in the consistency of AWYE’s vision. “Our rural women are builders; we must continue to invest in and support them,” she said. “When rural women succeed, our nation stands tall.”
Award recipients, moved by the recognition, thanked AWYE for acknowledging their contributions, describing the honor as a motivation to do more and mentor younger women.
The 7th Edition of the 30 Most Influential Women Awards once again underscored AWYE’s commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and amplifying the voices of those transforming lives in rural Sierra Leone.
At the close of the event, honorees and participants urged stronger collaboration among women leaders, Government institutions and Civil Society to advance gender equality and promote rural development across the nation.
