By: Abdul Rahman Bah
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Freetown, Janisa Edwina Francess Momodu, Esq., Executive Director of the Centre for Gender and Social Justice, experienced a remarkable and humbling moment as she received two major awards in a single night. She described the recognition as both unexpected and deeply meaningful.
She moved between two prestigious events the African Ovation Awards (10th Edition) held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Aberdeen and the Good Deeds Day Sierra Leone Awards (5th Edition) at the Atlantic Hotel where she was honoured with certificates and awards for Professional Excellence and Humanitarian Support to Women and Girls.
Reflecting on the recognition, Momodu expressed gratitude and humility, saying, “Receiving two awards in one day is something I did not see coming. I am humbled and, at the same time, filled with quiet joy.”
She explained that her work is closely tied to her personal experiences, shaped by witnessing and enduring the realities faced by many women. “What I do today is not separate from my life; it is my life,” she said, noting that early exposure to gender-based challenges motivated her commitment to justice and empowerment.
Recalling her mother’s experiences, she shared: “I watched my mother believe in a system that did not show up for her. That strength and disappointment stayed with me, and it became the reason I chose this path.”
As Executive Director of the Centre for Gender and Social Justice, Momodu leads initiatives focused on legal advocacy, community engagement, and the protection of vulnerable women and girls. Her organization works to bridge the gap between legal frameworks and real-life access to justice, ensuring that rights are not only theoretical but practically enforced.
“This work is not about recognition,” she emphasized. “I do it because, deep down, I know it is the right thing to do.”
However, she acknowledged that the awards serve as a powerful affirmation that her efforts, sacrifices, and commitment are making an impact.
Accepting the honours, she stated: “I accept these awards not just with gratitude, but as a call to keep going, to keep pushing, and to keep standing in the gap for those who need it most.” She dedicated the recognition to women and girls facing systemic challenges, adding: “I see you. I stand with you. And I will continue this work for you.”
Momodu also expressed appreciation to her team at the Centre for Gender and Social Justice, recognizing their collective effort in advancing equality and justice. She further thanked the organisers of both award ceremonies for the recognition, describing it as encouraging and motivating.
While celebrating the achievement, she reaffirmed her focus on the future, stating that the work is far from over. With renewed determination, she continues to advocate for justice, dignity, and opportunity for women and girls across Sierra Leone, turning recognition into responsibility and purpose into action.