Moiyattu Banya-Keister

Moiyattu Banya-Keister is a Sierra Leonean activist, social entrepreneur, and gender development professional with over 15 years of experience in community and organizational development.15 She is the founder of Girls Empowerment Sierra Leone (GESL), an organization she established in 2012.

Professional Background

Moiyattu Banya-Keister's work primarily focuses on empowering women and girls in Sierra Leone. As the founder of GESL, she has organized leadership programs that have benefited over 200 young girls, equipping them with skills to become future leaders. The organization has served more than 250 girls to date, providing them with hands-on community engagement experiences.2

Initiatives and Impact

GESL, under Banya-Keister's leadership, has undertaken various initiatives:

1. Leadership programs for young girls
2. Educational videos on topics like COVID-19 for girls in Sierra Leone3
3. Feminist education and empowerment activities4

Her work extends beyond GESL. Banya-Keister is also associated with "A Girl at a Time," collaborating on educational projects.3

Philosophy and Approach

Banya-Keister is known for her commitment to fostering supportive communities of women. She believes in the power of women supporting each other "in beautiful and authentic ways".5 As an educator, she teaches about feminist movements in the United States to undergraduate students, emphasizing the importance of opening spaces and "sending elevators back down" to help others rise.6

Through her various roles and initiatives, Moiyattu Banya-Keister continues to work towards empowering women and girls in Sierra Leone and beyond, contributing to the development of the next generation of feminists in her country.47