MONROVIA / ABUJA — Queen Juli Endee, Traditional Queen of Liberia and renowned community activist, has been officially recognised as one of the world’s most influential women at a prestigious ceremony held April 17, 2026, in Abuja, Nigeria. The Global Most Influential Woman award, presented by the Africa Intercontinental Network (AIN) in collaboration with global partners, honours exceptional women from more than 38 countries.
Queen Endee was among 100 Global Impact Personalities celebrated during the event, which also marked her inaugural induction as a Global Women and Girls Ambassador. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and CEO of Crusaders for Peace, Queen Ende has been instrumental in Liberia’s post-conflict reconciliation and public health efforts. Her leadership spans polio eradication, Ebola and COVID-19 response, soldier disarmament, and social mobilisation for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. She also serves as Commissioner General of World Expo and is a former Cultural Ambassador.
“Your outstanding contributions to community development, women’s empowerment, youth advocacy, arts exhibition, heritage, and economic diplomacy have made you a standout candidate for this honour,” the nomination letter reads. The Africa Intercontinental Network, a forum aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and supported by the United Nations, organised the award. AIN is an affiliate of the International Association of World Peace Advocate (UN special consultative status since 2019) and partners with the International Human Rights Alliance, Alliance of the People of the World, and Build Up Africa for Technology and Empowerment Initiative.
The ceremony took place at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, where Queen Ende served as both keynote speaker and panellist. Queen Juli Endee Calls for Grassroots Empowerment at Abuja Gathering
Speaking at the event, Queen Juli Endee called for the empowerment of women and girls at the grassroots level, declaring: “When African women rise, the world will feel their impact.”
She conveyed greetings on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. of Liberia and extended profound gratitude to Nigeria for its steadfast support during and after Liberia’s 14-year civil war—a conflict that ended 22 years ago, replaced by an uninterrupted era of peace.
The gathering brought together African first ladies, former first ladies, traditional monarchs, diplomats, and industry leaders, including Hajiya Turai Umar Yar’Adua (former First Lady of Nigeria); Her Regal Majesty Amb. Dr. Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi (Deputy Convener); Her Excellency Dr. Amb. Maryam Sani Abacha; His Excellency Ambassador John Akel Ballout Jr. (Liberia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Benin, Equatorial Guinea, and ECOWAS); Kiran M. Gosavi (President, Federation of Indian Industry); and Engr. Prof. Theophilus Aku Ugah (Executive Advisory Council member, AIN).
Queen Endee recalled interactions with former Nigerian leaders including Abdulsalami Abubakar, Olusegun Obasanjo, Lt. Gen. Victor Samuel Leonard Malu, and Maj. Gen. Abdul One Mohammed, calling Nigeria “Africa’s big brother.” She urged the region to remain committed to peace, adding: “Peace is not what one wishes for but what one says, what one does, and what one is.”
Introducing the theme “Empowering Her: Grassroots Pathway to Sustainable Development,” she said: “If you want to see the true future of Africa, do not look only at its leaders—look at its women and girls. In their hands lies the power to transform not just communities but entire generations.”
She called for ensuring every girl can attend school, creating economic opportunities for women, protecting their dignity and safety, and nurturing identity and self-worth. “A girl who knows who she is will not be easily discouraged. A woman who believes in herself will not be easily silenced.”
Queen Endee paid tribute to African trailblazers including former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, First Lady Madam Kartumu Yata Boikai, Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee, Ambassador Miatta Fahnbulleh, Helen Nah Sammie (Women Voices newspaper), and Majula Darami (former FGM practitioner now supporting alternative livelihoods).
She urged the audience to make “not just another conversation but a commitment” to reach the grassroots and create lasting change, concluding: “Think Africa, love Africa, and build Africa.”
