The Organising Committee of the 50 Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards has opened nominations for the ninth edition of the national honours.
In a statement issued in Freetown on 1 January 2026, the committee said the awards recognise Sierra Leonean women whose leadership, innovation and service are helping to drive national development and social change.
The initiative celebrates women making impact across a wide range of sectors, including governance and public service, education, agriculture, business and entrepreneurship, civil society, media and the arts, health, science and technology, and advocacy for women, girls and vulnerable groups.
Organisers say the awards go beyond professional success, focusing on women whose work inspires others, supports community growth and contributes to national progress.
Members of the public are being encouraged to nominate deserving women, both in Sierra Leone and in the diaspora, who showed clear leadership and impact during 2025.
To be eligible, nominees must be Sierra Leonean women with a proven record of leadership, integrity and commitment to national development and women’s empowerment.
Nominations opened on 1 January 2025 and will close on 1 February 2026. Entries can be submitted through an online nomination form provided by the organisers.
According to the committee, nominations will be reviewed by an independent and credible selection panel, using criteria such as impact, innovation, sustainability and contribution to national development. The final 50 awardees will be determined through a public voting process, with an effort to ensure diversity across sectors and regions.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in April 2026 and is expected to bring together leaders from government, the private sector, civil society, development partners and the media.
The Chairperson of the awards, Edmond Alim B Fornah, called on institutions, organisations and individuals to nominate women who are shaping Sierra Leone’s future and breaking barriers for others.
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