Chioma Ude, the founder of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), was among four women recognised by Power WalkHer Global at a special awards presentation in Lagos on November 3, 2026. Ude received the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Leadership Award, the organisation’s highest honour, for her contributions to African cinema and the growth of the continent’s creative industry.
The presentation took place during Her Frame: The Women’s Dinner, an event held as part of the 15th edition of AFRIFF, which runs from November 1 to 7 in Lagos, Nigeria. Alongside Ude, Liberian judge Charlyne M. Brumskine, Ivorian women’s advocate Aïssata “Tata” Sidibé, and Jamaican entrepreneur Karen Mitchell were also recognised for their work and contributions in their respective fields.
Ude’s recognition highlights the work she has done through AFRIFF over the past 15 years. Since she started the festival, it has been a platform where African filmmakers showcase their work, network with industry professionals, and reach audiences outside the continent.
With its annual screenings, industry discussions and networking opportunities, AFRIFF has become a vital meeting place for filmmakers and other stakeholders in the African film industry. The Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Leadership Award acknowledges Ude’s work in creating the festival, sustaining it and growing it over the years.
The award is named after Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia’s former president and the first elected female head of state in Africa. Previous recipients include former US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who received it in 2024, and Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center, who was honoured in 2025.
The second honouree at the Lagos ceremony, Judge Charlyne M. Brumskine, was recognised for her work in law, civil rights and public service. In October 2026, she made history as the first Liberian woman appointed to the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice before being elected president of the court.
Aïssata “Tata” Sidibé also received an honour for her work supporting African women. As the founder of AfriqueFem 2.0, she has worked to create opportunities for women to network, share experiences and access platforms that support their growth.
The fourth honouree, Karen Mitchell, was recognised for her work as an entrepreneur in the beauty industry. She founded True Indian Hair, a hair brand that has been in business for more than 15 years and has built a customer base that includes leading Hollywood stylists. Its products have also been worn by entertainers such as Rihanna and Cardi B.
The awards were presented by Barkue Tubman-Zawolo, founder of Power WalkHer Global, an organisation that celebrates women for their leadership, professional achievements and the experiences that shaped their journeys.
Speaking about the awards, Tubman-Zawolo said the recognition was meant to go beyond celebrating titles and visible accomplishments. She explained that the organisation also wanted to acknowledge the sacrifices, challenges and determination that often go unnoticed behind a woman’s success.
Founded on the principles of Honor, Elevate and Renew, Power WalkHer Global brings together women from different industries and backgrounds through its awards and international gatherings. Its work focuses on recognising women’s achievements while creating connections that can open doors for others.
The 2026 presentation at AFRIFF also marked the organisation’s recognition programme on the African continent, bringing together women whose work spans film, law, advocacy and business.
