Chief Superintendent Zainab Mbalu Gbla of the Sierra Leone Police has been named the recipient of the prestigious United Nations Woman Police Officer of the Year Award for 2024. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres is set to recognize her for this achievement, marking a significant moment of national pride for Sierra Leone.

Chief Superintendent Gbla is currently serving with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) as a Training Officer. The announcement of her award comes ahead of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, observed on May 29, 2025.

Her exemplary work in Abyei includes pioneering an educational program for disadvantaged children in an area that lacked schools upon her arrival, providing essential learning materials and visual aids.

She also initiated a mentorship program specifically for girls. Beyond education, Chief Superintendent Gbla launched projects to support crop cultivation and livestock sales at local markets, creating sustainable income sources for women, enabling them to support their families and send their children to school in nearby Abyei town.

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Furthermore, her innovative community engagement initiatives have significantly strengthened relations between local communities and the UN mission. She established new channels for crime reporting in Abyei, a region without a functional police service, demonstrating exceptional dedication and resourcefulness.

The United Nations Woman Police Officer of the Year award, established in 2011, highlights the vital contributions of women to peacekeeping and promotes women’s empowerment, aligning with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

This year’s recognition of Chief Superintendent Gbla is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time a Sierra Leonean has received this prestigious award, bringing immense pride to “Mama Salone.”