Rugiatu Neneh Turay-Koroma (Neneh)

Is a Sierra Leonean changemaker and leader who bridges the gap between grassroots action and policy reform. A former refugee during her country's civil war, she founded the Amazonian Initiative Movement (AIM) to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) within communities through education, peace-building and culturally respectful alternatives to harmful practices, focusing on women's empowerment. Her 2019 “bloodless rite of passage,” in which 175 girls participated with the support of the entire community, was carried out according to the so-called “Neneh strategy.” The initiative grew into an inspiring example showing that tradition and human rights can go hand in hand.

After more than 20 years of experience in activism, NGO leadership, local governance and representing the interests of rural communities and women as Deputy Minister of Social Affairs - where she fought against corruption from above - Neneh co-founded N'NINKIE and currently works as a consultant. She promotes community-led development and advocates for structural reform through research, policy dialogue and ethical leadership for a self-reliant Sierra Leone. Neneh has been internationally recognized for her work the 2024 International Hrant Dink Award. She remains driven by her core belief: true peace requires systemic change that empowers all.