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Madam Isha Johansson Celebrates International Women’s Day Through Football a Decade Ago

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Sallu Kamuskay
By Sallu Kamuskay 3 Min Read
3 Min Read

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of Madam Isha Johansen, a trailblazer who has left an indelible mark on the world of football and women’s empowerment. Exactly ten years ago, Madam Johansen initiated a groundbreaking event that would forever change the landscape of women’s football in Sierra Leone and beyond.

The First-Ever Friendly Match
In her capacity as the newly appointed Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) president, Madam Isha Johansen orchestrated a momentous occasion: the first-ever friendly match between the national women’s football teams of Sierra Leone and Liberia. This historic encounter took place on a sun-kissed pitch, where players from both nations showcased their skills, camaraderie, and shared love for the beautiful game.
The match was more than just a sporting event; it was a symbol of unity, peace, and gender equality. Madam Johansen’s vision extended beyond the field, emphasizing the power of football to bridge divides and promote dialogue. As the referee’s whistle echoed across the stadium, fans cheered not only for goals but also for the spirit of cooperation and friendship.
Using Football to Celebrate International Women’s Day
Madam Isha Johansen’s decision to hold this friendly match on International Women’s Day was groundbreaking. She recognized that football could be a powerful platform to amplify women’s voices, challenge stereotypes, and inspire future generations. By choosing this auspicious date, she sent a clear message: women belong on the pitch, in leadership roles, and at the forefront of change.
The Legacy Continues
Madam Johansen’s impact extends far beyond that memorable match. In 2019, she hosted the Women’s West African Football Union (WAFU) tournament in Sierra Leone, bringing together eight countries, including our own. The tournament showcased the immense talent of female footballers from across the region and provided a stage for them to shine.
But Madam Johansen’s commitment to women’s empowerment transcends the sport itself. Her work extends to the female correctional center, where she champions rehabilitation and skills development. Inmates at the center benefit from her support through skills training workshops, vocational programs, and mentorship. Madam Johansen firmly believes that every woman deserves a chance to rebuild her life and contribute positively to society.
A Visionary Leader
Madam Isha Johansen’s journey has been one of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication. As the first woman to lead the SLFA, she shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for others. Her legacy reminds us that football is not just about goals and victories; it’s about creating opportunities, fostering inclusion, and empowering women to dream beyond the field.
As we celebrate a decade of Madam Johansen’s transformative leadership, let us honor her vision, applaud her courage, and continue the legacy of using football as a force for positive change. Happy International Women’s Day!

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Sallu Kamuskay is a Sierra Leonean communication strategist, fixer, blogger, youth organiser, event manager, spokesperson, and public relations expert. His work has been regularly referenced and published by national and international media and public policy institutions. Sallu Kamuskay was a child during the brutal war in Sierra Leone. Growing up in the midst of conflict, Sallu witnessed unimaginable abuse of children and gross violations of human rights. The horrors he witnessed during the Civil War had a terrible impact on him at a very tender age. But despite the shock of the war, Sallu never lost hope. He started on a journey of recovery, studying, and working for a better future. At age 15, Sallu entered into the world of activism and advocacy. Sallu Kamuskay was the Vice President of the Young Leaders Organisation, a member of the National Youth Council. The Young Leaders is one of the oldest youth-led organisations in West Africa. The organisation was formed by a group of young leaders, and launched by the then Head of State/President of Sierra Leone. Sallu was part of the group of young leaders who participated in and contributed to the establishment of the National Youth Council. The Commonwealth supported the training for trainers programme with line ministries and youth stakeholders in which key, representatives of youth council, student union and civil society/private sector youth platforms were engaged and empowered in the effective engagement and inclusion of youth. Sallu is co-founder and Executive Director of the Salone Messenger, a global multimedia and public relations firm based In Sierra Leone. Sallu has worked on various developmental and policy issues such as Poverty, Climate Change, Human rights, Child Rights, Education, Health, Gender Equality, Civic Engagement, Government policies, Information Communication Technology for Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, and has also been contributing to various global events and advocacy campaigns. Sallu Kamuskay is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Salone Messenger, a global Multimedia and Public Relations Firm based in Sierra Leone with the latest news and information, on top stories, business, politics, entertainment, and more. Sallu is working with a leading technology company in Africa, Techfrica, that has recently developed and launched a social media, messaging Supfrica with over 150,000 downloads on the Google play store in less than 4 days. He is the Adviser and Media coordinator for the App to give people the platform to connect and communicate to help shape their future with a very fast internet that allows users that live in deprived and hard-to-reach areas with poor internet facility to be able to communicate as it allows and stronger on 2 and 3 G network reception. Sallu has over 9 years of experience in youth engagement, inclusion, and coordination both at local and global levels, giving voice to young people and engaging young people to build a better world. He has served as coordinator for the Wave Alliance which brought together youth-led organisations who attended an international training in South Africa organized by the International Organization – Waves for Change. Sallu is working with the MLT, Waves For Change, and the Government to develop safe spaces for young people, with a view to contributing to the overall development goals of young people including health, as well as to community rebuilding. Sallu is currently the Programme Director for the Wave Alliance, which is a coalition of youth-led and community-based organisations that have successfully introduced evidence-based Surf Therapy programs to young people in communities, with a focus on mental health, peace building and sustainable development. Sallu is currently the focal point and face of Africa’s Faces Social media platform which is a global Social media platform that brings together people from across the world to share their moments, connect, share videos, and interact with friends giving more preference to excluded continents like Africa. Sallu Kamuskay has devoted his time to working for or contributing to a number of national and international organizations and companies, including the Techfrica Technology Company, United Nations, ECOWAS, European Union, Commonwealth Africa Initiatives. This work has led him to travel to a number of countries to contribute to global youth platforms. Sallu is the lead Coordinator for Peace Tour programme, an initiative supported by the European Union, Africa Union, ECOWAS focusing on uniting and empowering young people and local communities. Over the years, Sallu Kamuskay has been using his Techno phone to be able to tell stories, the phone he used to tell the story of Gbessay during Ebola who was admitted at one of the Ebola treatment centers after rumors that she had Ebola when the actual sickness was ulcer, she was almost abandoned at the treatment canter with no medication provided to her. She could have died. Sallu told the story via social media and was able to secure funding from the United Sierra Leone to buy her medication and advocated for her. She was later discharged and taken home, He did the same to a patient that died and was abandoned in the street, Sallu Kamuskay used his phone and shared the message across, the corps was later taken and buried. It could have been more disaster without his voice. The story of late America Stress 3-year-old daughter. The hero’s daughter was abandon after his father's death. He shared her sad story and was able to get a sister who has taken the child as her own and is currently providing her with educational support. The article of America Stress can be read on the link below http://ayvnewspaper.com/index.php/k2-categories/item/7350-america-stress-a-hero-to-recognize. Sallu Kamuskay feels the stories of Gbessay, America stress and that of many others need to be told. The media house we have cannot better tell these stories, they are better reporters than telling human interest stories. He created the Salone Messenger platform and brought together passionate storytellers to be able to tell these compelling stories.