First Lady Gertrude Mutharika along with her Zimbabwean counter part Auxillia Mnangagwa and four other women have received Arise Women of Africa (Awoa) awards for their contributions towards enhancing women’s recognition and development in their countries.
Speaking during the inaugural Awoa Continental summit at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe on Friday, Awoa continental chairperson Nyengeterai Mahofa said the awards aim to demonstrate that African women are making huge contributions on the continent and in their countries.
representatives of other recipients. | Steven Pembamoyo
“Usually, women are not recognised for the positive contributions they make so we decided to present these awards as a way of encouraging them and motivating other African women,” she said.
In her remarks, Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare director Fred Simwaka said the summit was focusing on five key pillars which address the challenges women face.
“The summit is very important because it dwells on five pillars which include economic empowerment, climate change, access to financial services, and equal opportunities. These directly address women’s challenges,” he said.
Simwaka added that there are many international and local instruments focusing on promoting women’s rights and inclusion as well as the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities which nations should respect.
The other four awardees were Joan Muwende, Tilotenda Tiwalala, Jayn Mandeule from Malawi and Emma Nyerere from Tanzania.
