By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Favour Kadija Marrah, a 20-year-old from Koinadugu District, will represent her district in the prestigious Miss Malaika Beauty Pageant Sierra Leone, to be held at Paradise City in Freetown. The pageant, renowned for its focus on empowering young women, celebrates qualities such as intelligence, leadership, and social responsibility. Marrah’s participation reflects her commitment to these values, especially her advocacy against teenage pregnancy.
Speaking to Premier News on April 8, 2025, Marrah shared how her upbringing in a humble household with her younger brother inspired her to pursue her dreams and become a voice for change. Currently in her second year at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit, studying Public Health and Clinical Management, Marrah’s academic pursuits underline her dedication to improving health outcomes. She is also an alumna of Annie Walsh Memorial Secondary School, where she completed her WASSCE, and later advanced her education at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), specializing in Applied Accounting.
Marrah has chosen teenage pregnancy as the focal point of her advocacy in the pageant, an issue she believes requires urgent action. “Teenage pregnancy is an issue that needs urgent attention. Through my platform, I want to educate and empower young girls, helping them realize their worth and value in society. I believe every girl is unique in her own way, and I strongly believe in the power of girls,” she stated.
Beyond her advocacy work, Marrah is also a talented actress and philanthropist. Her contributions to the arts have earned her nominations for Best Lead Actress at the Sierra Leone Association of Art and Media (SLAAM) Awards and for Best New Actress at the national level. These achievements showcase her versatility and commitment to creating positive impact both within her community and on a broader scale.
Marrah emphasizes the need for societal collaboration to address the challenges faced by the youth. “My platform is a daily case study that needs a facelift and attention from all sectors of society. We need better solutions from the government, NGOs, and local communities to benefit our youth,” she explained.
With her advocacy, talent, and passion, Marrah is well-positioned to make a lasting impression in the Miss Malaika pageant and continue driving change in her community and beyond.