A Sierra Leonean youth activist, Edmond Alim B. Fornah has been recognised on the international stage for his work supporting young women and promoting gender equality across Africa.
Edmond Alim B. Fornah, Executive Director of the Kids Advocacy Network, received the Global Leading Women Award at the International Women Power Conference held in The Gambia. The award celebrates leaders — men and women — who have made a strong contribution to women’s rights, empowerment, and leadership.
Fornah was honoured for his role as a HeForShe Champion, a title given to men who actively support gender equality. His organisation has been widely praised for programmes that help girls stay in school, strengthen child protection, provide mentorship, and build leadership skills for young women.
Speaking at the ceremony, Fornah said the award was not only for him but for the young women whose strength inspires his work.
He dedicated the recognition to “all young women whose resilience inspires the work we do, and to every boy and man who chooses to stand on the right side of equality.”
He also called for stronger partnerships to support women’s empowerment, saying:
“Empowering women is not a female issue — it is a societal mission. When we uplift women and girls, we uplift nations.”
The honour has been welcomed in Sierra Leo
