AWYE Honours 30 Rural Women at Waterloo Awards Ceremony

The Advocacy for Women and Youth Empowerment (AWYE) has recognised 30 rural women at the eighth edition of its annual 30 Most Influential Women Awards.

The ceremony was held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Abza Plaza’s Carew Hall in Waterloo under the theme “Celebrating 30 Outstanding Rural Women.”

The honourees were recognised for contributions in education, healthcare, politics, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment and community development across the Western Area Rural District.

Selection process

AWYE Executive Director Ibrahim Marvel Kamara said the 2026 selection process lasted three months. He said the organisers received 157 nominations, conducted internal screening and reduced the field to 50 shortlisted candidates before public voting determined the final 30 recipients.

Kamara also highlighted the Network of Rural Women in Influence, which was established in 2025 to strengthen collaboration among previous award recipients.

He announced the launch of AWYE’s 2026 Award Magazine, which contains profiles of the honourees. According to Kamara, the publication will be distributed to libraries to help motivate young girls.

Kamara also appealed for support to secure and furnish an operational office for AWYE, estimated to cost US$20,000. The source did not indicate that funding for the proposed office had been secured.

Calls for women’s leadership

Prof. Miriam Conteh-Morgan, Vice Chancellor and Principal of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, urged women to use their positions to support others.

“Your position is an opportunity to inspire and empower other women,” Conteh-Morgan said.

She also emphasised that women’s competence, determination and performance should guide access to leadership opportunities rather than gender.

Imam Kamara, Vice President of the Network of Rural Women in Influence, congratulated the awardees and encouraged them to remain ambitious.

“Keep dreaming. Women, we have to set our goals and achieve them,” Imam Kamara said.

The ceremony was attended by prominent personalities, community leaders and development advocates. AWYE reaffirmed its commitment to celebrating women’s achievements, strengthening mentorship and encouraging future female leaders.