By Abdul Karim Mansaray (MCIPS)
BANJUL, The Gambia — November 27, 2025 — Captain Yainkain Ballay Kamara of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has earned international recognition after receiving the Global Leading Woman in Military Justice and Legal Leadership Award at the International Women Power Conference (IWPC).
The award ceremony, held at the Sir Dawda Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul, brought together distinguished women leaders and visionaries from across the globe. The event was graced by Her Excellency Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia, who served as Chief Host.
Recognition of Excellence
The IWPC, which operates in Nigeria, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and London, selected Capt. Kamara for her “exemplary service at the intersection of law and defense.” In its nomination, the organization praised her contributions to advancing discipline, ethics, and rights-based leadership within the armed forces.
As a Military Lawyer and Legal Advisor for the RSLAF, Capt. Kamara has played a pivotal role in ensuring that Sierra Leone’s armed forces uphold the highest standards of justice and integrity. Her work has strengthened institutional accountability and safeguarded the rights of service members.
National Pride and Global Spotlight
This accolade is not only a personal triumph for Capt. Kamara but also a milestone for the RSLAF, highlighting Sierra Leone’s commitment to legal excellence and gender inclusivity within its military ranks.
Her recognition places Sierra Leonean officers on the global stage as leaders in specialized military fields, demonstrating that the nation’s armed forces are both valorous and principled.
Capt. Kamara’s achievement has been celebrated as a source of pride and inspiration. By hoisting the Green, White, and Blue in an international forum, she has shown that Sierra Leonean women and men can excel globally with expertise, integrity, and dedication.