Chief Justice Kamanda Named HeForShe Champion

Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, Komba Kamanda, has been named a HeForShe Champion at the SheArose Summit 2026, with organisers citing his support for gender equality and reforms aimed at expanding women’s representation in the Judiciary. The recognition, presented at Family Kingdom in Aberdeen, also named Kamanda the summit’s Chief Honoree. Dr Kadijatu Grace Kamara, founder of the SheArose Foundation and Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, said the honour recognised men who use their positions to support women’s advancement.
“We are only celebrating men of conscience and influence who stand with women and open doors for them,” she said. According to information supplied by the Judiciary’s Communications and Public Affairs Unit, the recognition follows reforms undertaken since Kamanda’s appointment by President Julius Maada Bio in December 2024.
These include the establishment of three Sexual Offences Model Courts in the provinces, the recruitment and appointment of more female judges and magistrates, and the recruitment of the Judiciary’s first female legal researcher. The Judiciary also cited the first Court of Appeal sittings in the provinces and the commissioning of the first Magistrate’s Court in Mile 91, Tonkolili District. A resident magistrate was assigned to serve the area, covering four chiefdoms and ten sections. Speaking at the summit, Dr Kamara said the foundation sought both to empower women and to recognise men who support their development and personal growth.
“We know that women do not rise alone. It is in this spirit that the SheArose Summit 2026 proudly named His Lordship the Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda as our Chief Honoree and HeForShe Champion,” she said.
She commended Kamanda’s leadership of the Judiciary, saying his commitment to women’s participation extended to decision-making.
“The Chief Justice holds firmly that women deserve a seat at the table where decisions are made,” Dr Kamara said. She added that his pledge to advance equal access to justice affirmed that “justice and equality belong to women as fully as to men.” Addressing Kamanda directly, she said: “Your belief in women strengthens our nation, and your example inspires more men to become champions of equity.”