By Ibrahim Mansaray
Sierra Leonean journalist and women’s movement activist, Mariatu Esther Kabba gets yet another accolade. She received the Hubert H. Humphrey Achievement Award for her significant contributions to communicating the story of the Humphrey fellowship in the fall semester at Arizona State University, United States of America. Kabba who happens to be the first Sierra Leonean woman and the youngest to be selected for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship told C4D media that the mentorships she had in her engagements with various media and advocacy platforms prepared her for excellence in her current adventures.
“My path thus far has been guided and inspired by the grace and mercy of my Saviour, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, as well as the support of the good people around me. Additionally, my commitment, determination, and passion have played a pivotal role in propelling me forward and achieving my goals”, she added.
The HHH fellowship is among various programs offered by the United States to youth all over the world to advance their leadership across all sectors. A statement on the Fellowship’s website reads: “The ten-month Fellowship program is offered to mid-career professionals with a proven track record of leadership, a public service commitment, and the capacity to take full advantage of a self-defined program of independent non-degree study at a leading U.S. university.”
Kabba is a prominent radio trainer and activist for women and girls’ empowerment with a decade-long experience at the forefront of transformative development communication projects. She was part of the BBC 50/50 Equality and the BBC Media Action Girls’ Education and Empowerment (EAGER) Project, where she trained over 200 local journalists on gender-sensitive radio programming and other related issues.
In 2021, she was featured among the ‘Fifty Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women’ for her work. To double down on her strides for women’s and girls’ empowerment, Kabba founded Strong Women, Strong Girls Sierra Leone, a nonprofit initiative that provides mentorship opportunities for under-served young women and girls in rural communities in Sierra Leone. From its inception in 2018, the organization has reached more than 1000 girls in Sierra Leone, with more than 200 of them later championing menstrual hygiene, sexual and reproductive health, and rights, among others around the country.
Kabba holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications from Fourah Bay College and a civic leadership certificate as a Mandela Washington Fellow from Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, and a Master Trainer in Conflict Transformation from Global Unites Academy, Sri Lanka.
She says her journey has been shaped by a profound sense of gratitude, a desire to make a difference, and an unyielding determination to create a better future for vulnerable women and girls. “By combining the love and guidance of my faith, the support of those around me, and my unwavering commitment, I am confident that I can continue to contribute positively to my community and the world at large”, she added.
She joins a long list of Sierra Leoneans who have been flying the flag high. Her recent achievement was widely acknowledged and publicized by Sierra Leoneans who have graced the same or similar stages. It was also recognized for its international presence in Sierra Leone. The United States Embassy in Sierra Leone wrote on Facebook: “Nothing to see here! Just Mariatu Esther Kabba making Salone proud in the United States by getting an achievement award from the Arizona State University for significant contributions communicating the story of the Humphrey Fellowship.”
