The Youth in Action for Leadership and Development (YALD), in collaboration with its partners, is set to host the 5th edition of the 50 Most Influential Northern Women Awards on Friday, 7th February 2026, at the Expatraite Inn Hotel, Bombali District.
Held under the theme “From Recognition to Impact: Celebrating Northern Women of Influence, Inspiring Sustainable Change,” this year’s awards ceremony goes beyond celebration. It stands as a powerful platform to honour women whose leadership, resilience, and service continue to transform communities and shape sustainable development across Northern Sierra Leone.
Since its inception, the 50 Most Influential Northern Women Awards has grown into a respected national initiative that recognizes women excelling in governance, diplomacy, education, health, business, civil society, entrepreneurship, youth development, and community leadership. The 2026 edition marks a significant milestone, reaffirming the awards’ commitment to amplifying women’s voices and inspiring the next generation of female leaders.
The event will be graced by Amb. Fatmata Sawaneh, Deputy Ambassador to Guinea, who will serve as the Distinguished Guest of Honor. Her presence underscores the importance of women’s leadership in diplomacy, regional cooperation, and international relations, and adds prestige to an evening dedicated to excellence and influence.
Activities for the evening will begin with a Cultural Welcome at 5:30 PM, followed by the Red Carpet, Photo Corner, and Media Interviews at 6:30 PM, setting the tone for an elegant and memorable night. The *main awards ceremony will commence promptly at 7:00 PM*, bringing together policymakers, development partners, traditional leaders, private sector actors, civil society organizations, media, and invited guests.
In line with the awards’ standards and elegance, awardees are expected to dress in black with a touch of gold, symbolizing strength, excellence, and influence, while guests are encouraged to appear in elegant, formal, or culturally appropriate attire.
The 50 Most Influential Northern Women Awards remains a strictly by invitation event, ensuring a focused and dignified gathering of stakeholders committed to gender equity, leadership, and sustainable development.
As Northern Sierra Leone continues to produce trailblazing women who challenge barriers and create lasting impact, the 2026 awards ceremony promises not only to recognize achievements but also to inspire action, collaboration, and a renewed commitment to inclusive development.
For partnerships, media inquiries, and further information, interested parties are encouraged to contact the organizers via +232 75 634 780 / +232 88 980 875
Because when women rise, communities thrive and when their impact is recognized, sustainable change becomes possible.