Adama Finda Borway | She-Empowerment League

Email

What’s the name of your business, nonprofit or project?

She-Empowerment League

What city and country is your business, nonprofit or project located in?

Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Links to Your Social Media Pages (if applicable)

1. https://www.instagram.com/sel_salone?igsh=MWZxM2dkZ3h2dnppYQ&utm_source=qr 2. https://www.facebook.com/YEFsl?mibextid=LQQJ4d 3. https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-empowerment-leaguec/

Describe your business, nonprofit or project, and the products and/or services you offer?

She-Empowerment League is a young women-led organization established in 2018, committed to empowering girls and young women (GYW) in Sierra Leone through Educational and Developmental Programs. Our organization addresses the systemic discrimination and violence that GYW face in political, civic, economic, sociocultural, and educational domains. Girls and young women are disproportionately affected by sexual and gender-based violence, including domestic violence, rape, school-related sexual abuse, and harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), Menstrual health and hygiene issues and child marriage. Women aspiring to leadership positions encounter numerous obstacles, such as economic dependence, high illiteracy rates, entrenched cultural traditions, and a lack of confidence due to the fear of public failure. In response, She-Empowerment League focuses on developing the socioeconomic potential of Girls and Young Women through leadership training, livelihood skills development, awareness raising and campaigns on Menstrual health and hygiene by providing hygiene sessions and Sister bags that contains essential sanitary products for girls and young women to bleed with dignity and stay in school. And as well provide entrepreneurship trainings.

Are you Caribbean or African, or of Caribbean or African descent? If you are, please tell us details.

I’m an African from Sierra Leone, originally from Kono District in the Eastern part of Sierra Leone but moved to Freetown our nation’s capital 4 years back in pursuit of academia.

Do you think your Caribbean or African upbringing/heritage has impacted your work? If so, please explain how.

Absolutely, my African upbringing has profoundly impacted my work. Growing up, I was inspired by my strong African mom, a survivor of domestic violence, and by countless girls and young women in my community who continue to face numerous challenges and limitations. I have always loved to listen to stories of women who “DID IT” because at times people will make you feel that there is no good thing that has or will come out of women in this continent. I held on to one story that stands out which is that of Madam Yoko, a paramount chief in Sierra Leone during the late 19th century. Despite the patriarchal society she lived in, Madam Yoko rose to power through her intelligence, diplomacy, and strategic marriages. She united various chiefdoms, brought peace to her region, and advocated for women’s rights.

Africa is a beautiful continent with diverse cultures and strong, brave women like Madam Yoko. We can’t allow this beauty to fade because of challenges we can solve. This heritage instilled in me a deep sense of resilience, community, and the importance of empowerment, which drives my dedication to supporting and uplifting women through my work at She-Empowerment League.

How does your work positively impact culture + community?

My work positively impacts culture and community by empowering girls and young women to become leaders and change-makers. Through initiatives like the “Skills for Freedom and Violence Prevention” and “Sister Circle”, we provide training in soft and livelihood skills, leadership, and decision-making, enabling participants to break free from societal norms and discrimination. By fostering a sense of sisterhood and community, we help build a support network that encourages collaboration and mutual growth.

My work is rooted in the rich heritage of resilience and strength of my brave African mom and that of the beautiful African moms. This heritage inspires our efforts to uplift women and ensure they can contribute meaningfully to their communities. By addressing challenges head-on and offering practical solutions, we aim to preserve the beauty of Africa’s diverse cultures and empower the next generation of strong, brave women.

How should potential customers and persons interested in networking & partnerships contact you?

Potential partners can contact me through email: selsalone@gmail.com or charityborway18@gmail.com and on WhatsApp :+23276733766

What message of hope or inspiration would you like to share with other women in our community who are also pursuing their dreams?

To all the incredible women in our community pursuing their dreams, my message to you is simple: do not give up. THE FUTURE AND THE NOW IS FEMALE Continue to show up and show out for that dream. Remember that every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goal. Draw inspiration from our rich heritage of strong, brave women like Madam Yoko, who overcame immense challenges to become leaders and change-makers. Believe in your strength, embrace your resilience, and know that your dreams are valid and achievable. Keep pushing forward, and together, we will create a future where every woman’s potential is realized.