By: Amara Kargbo
Celebrating exceptional professionalism, the West African Women’s Network has conferred its coveted Women in Excellence Award 2026 upon Reverend Amb. Dr. Victoria Sulimani, Deputy Executive Director of the Foreign Service Academy. The accolade recognizes her distinguished service to the nation, transformative administrative leadership, and dedicated advocacy for youth and women’s empowerment.
Accepting the honor with profound grace, Dr. Sulimani delivered a stirring acceptance speech that resonated deeply with the audience. Emphasizing that no achievement is solitary, she framed the recognition as a symbol of collective encouragement and the steadfast support of countless individuals throughout her journey. She extended heartfelt appreciation to her colleagues within the diplomatic service for their unwavering belief in her aspirations.
Dedicating the award to the wider community of women, Dr. Sulimani declared, “This is for the women at the grassroots level, the trailblazers who continue to break barriers, and the quiet heroines within our homes and institutions.” She credited these women for teaching resilience and inspiring the courage to pursue a greater purpose, transforming the personal accolade into a shared triumph.
Dr. Sulimani is urging women to consistently support and uplift one another. “I genuinely believe that when women support women, remarkable things happen,” she asserted. While acknowledging strides in gender equality, she poignantly reminded the audience that too many voices remain unheard and too many girls are denied education. “Equality is often seen as a privilege rather than a basic human right,” she noted, stressing the imperative for continued advocacy. Viewing the award as a “renewed spirit to work harder,” she encouraged women to keep striving, breaking barriers, and opening doors for future generations.
Dr. Emmanuel Stafford, Board Member of the West African Women’s Network and CEO of Diaspora Focus, highlighted the award’s significant prestige, noting that the Network shortlisted over 250 exceptional women from across Sierra Leone, ultimately selecting only 40 for honors. The selection committee specifically cited Dr. Sulimani’s outstanding contributions to national growth, her pioneering strides in education and diplomacy, and her extensive humanitarian efforts, including support for youth pursuing higher education.
Executive Director Ambassador Soulay Daramy welcomed guests and congratulated his colleague, stating, “For us at the Academy, it is an honor and an additional accolade for one of our own.” He encouraged younger women to follow Dr. Sulimani’s exemplary path.
Madam Gladys Quee-Francis, Director of Administration and Finance, expressed gratitude to the Network for choosing the Academy as the venue. She highlighted its world-class amenities, including a 250-seat auditorium, reportedly the only one of its kind in the nation, a multi-purpose hall, and a forthcoming state-of-the-art boardroom. Extending an open invitation for future events, she showcased the Academy’s commitment to serving as a premier hub for national discourse and progress.
