Captain Yainkain Ballay Kamara, one of the nation’s pioneering female legal officers in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), has been officially shortlisted among the Top 100 Nominees for the 2025 edition of the prestigious 50 Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards. Her inclusion marks a significant milestone in a career defined by courage, legal excellence and transformative national service.

The announcement, made by the awards’ organizing committee on May 12 during a national broadcast on AYV Television and affiliated platforms, revealed this year’s exceptional shortlist following an unprecedented 2,004 nominations from across Sierra Leone and the diaspora. The rigorous selection process, conducted by a diverse panel of professionals, evaluated nominees based on measurable impact, leadership and commitment to national development. The shortlisted 100 women now move into the public voting phase, accounting for 30% of the final score, with voting officially opening on May 15 and closing on June 10, 2025.

Captain Yainkain Ballay Kamara’s nomination comes as no surprise to those familiar with her groundbreaking contributions within and beyond the armed forces. As a military lawyer and Legal Advisor in the RSLAF, she made national headlines after successfully leading the prosecution of a high-profile court-martial case, marshalling twelve witnesses in a case that reinforced the integrity and accountability of the military justice system. Her legal acumen has positioned her as a symbol of discipline, fairness and professionalism in one of the country’s most structured institutions.

In her role as the Human Rights Focal Person between the RSLAF and the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, Captain Yainkain Ballay Kamara has championed progressive reforms, culminating in the RSLAF being recognized as the Best Human Rights Security Institution in the nation. Her efforts have not only improved internal systems but have also restored public trust in military processes and accountability.

Long before donning the uniform, Captain Yainkain Ballay Kamara was a paralegal and passionate advocate for marginalized women and girls in the Northern and Southern Regions of Sierra Leone. Her work with the Access to Justice Law Centre and the Centre for Access to Justice, Peace and Human Rights brought hope to victims of abuse, guiding them through legal reconciliation and social reintegration.

Her service extends beyond national borders. As part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Mali, she earned the UN Peacekeeping Medal and the Major Sowa Award from the U.S.-based Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS), international acknowledgments of her dedication, professionalism and courage in complex conflict zones.

Outside the courtroom and combat zone, Captain Yainkain Ballay Kamara is deeply committed to education and community upliftment. She has lectured at the Bo Community College and actively volunteers at Our Lady of Guadalupe Primary School in Lunsar, where she helps drive the Free Quality Education initiative. She is the founder of the Konta Line Foundation, a community development group supporting underprivileged girls in four communities within Masimera Chiefdom. Her passion for nation-building also spans into agriculture, where she engages in commercial farming to promote food security and rural employment.

With a career built on justice, compassion and unrelenting service, Captain Yainkain Ballay Kamara stands as a beacon of excellence and inspiration. Her shortlisting for the 2025 50 Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards is a recognition not only of her personal achievements but also of her unwavering belief in a better, fairer Sierra Leone.

As public voting begins, the country now has an opportunity to rally behind a true daughter of the soil one who embodies resilience, leadership and a deep-seated commitment to progress.

Let us rally behind her and ensure her incredible work continues to be recognized and celebrated on the national stage.

Vote for Capt. Yainkain Ballay Kamara – ISLW056

- Voting Opens: 15th May 2025 at 12:00 AM

- Voting Closes: 10th June 2025 at 11:59 PM

- Voting Fee: NLe 5 per vote

- No voting limit – vote as many times as you wish!

For more information, follow the 50 Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards on AYV Television, the official Facebook page, and other leading media outlets.

Let’s celebrate excellence. Let’s celebrate Capt. Yainkain Ballay Kamara. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/captain-yainkain-ballay-kamara-stands-tall-as-top-contender-for-the-50-most-influential-women/