The 2023 International Women’s Forum South Africa Hall of Femme Awards recognized three exceptional women who have made significant contributions to gender equality, social justice, and women’s empowerment. Winnie Byanyima, Dr. Brigalia Bam, and Advocate Mojanku Gumbi were honored for their outstanding work and impact on society. The event emphasized the importance of mentorship and paying it forward to empower the upcoming generation of ethical women leaders. The IWF-SA plays a crucial role in promoting women’s empowerment and inspiring action towards a more equitable world.
Who were the honorees at the 2023 International Women’s Forum South Africa Hall of Femme Awards?
The 2023 International Women’s Forum South Africa Hall of Femme Awards recognized three extraordinary women who have made significant contributions to the struggle for gender equality, social justice, and women’s empowerment. The honorees included Winnie Byanyima, a leader in equality and justice, Dr. Brigalia Bam, a champion of democracy and women’s empowerment, and Advocate Mojanku Gumbi, a special advisor to former President Thabo Mbeki who has dedicated her life to pursuing peace and policy reforms.
In a world where achieving gender equality remains a difficult task, it is essential to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of women in various sectors. In August 2023, the International Women’s Forum South Africa (IWF-SA) held the Hall of Femme Awards, paying tribute to three outstanding women who have made considerable contributions to the struggle for gender equality, social justice, and women’s empowerment. This article highlights the exceptional work of these awardees and the impact their contributions have on society.
Winnie Byanyima, a Ugandan aeronautical engineer, politician, human rights activist, feminist, and diplomat, was one of the three honorees at the 2023 Hall of Femme Awards. As the director of UNAIDS and a former executive director at Oxfam, Byanyima has devoted over 30 years of her life to advocating for equality and justice in Uganda and across the globe. Internationally recognized as a leader in women’s rights, democratic governance, and peace-building, Byanyima’s work stands as a symbol of hope and inspiration for women everywhere.
Dr. Brigalia Bam, the former chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission in South Africa, was also honored at the event. Her dedication to fostering democracy and empowering women in the country earned her the Order of the Baobab in Silver. Even after retirement, Dr. Bam persists in giving back, committing her time and efforts to create a better nation for all.
Advocate Mojanku Gumbi, who served as a special advisor to former President Thabo Mbeki and currently holds the position of UN Special Advisor for Addressing Racism in the Workplace, was also recognized at the event. Gumbi has participated in peace-making initiatives in various African countries and has advised on domestic policy issues such as healthcare reform, South African industry expansion, and banking and mining sector reforms. Her commitment to creating a more equitable and just world has left a lasting impression on the lives of many.
The IWF-SA plays a vital role in promoting women’s empowerment and holding various stakeholders responsible in the battle for gender equality. Through mentorship programs and partnerships like the FASSET Women’s Legacy Program, the IWF-SA helps shape, educate, and mentor the upcoming generation of ethical women leaders.
The theme of the 2023 Hall of Femme Awards, “Pay It Forward,” emphasizes the necessity for women to persist in their fight for an equal world and provide opportunities for future generations. This concept is deeply rooted in the history of women’s rights activism, such as the Women’s March of 1956 in South Africa, which compelled the then-illegitimate regime to recognize women’s rights as human rights.
The value of mentorship in the pursuit of gender equality cannot be understated. Initiatives like the FASSET Women’s Legacy Program, a partnership with the Financial and Accounting SETA and Duke Corporate Education, strive to mentor and develop 1,000 women in the financial sector by 2025. Through these efforts, thousands more will be inspired, and a growing cohort of young professional women will be empowered to break barriers and redefine leadership in various sectors.
The IWF-SA Hall of Femme Awards acts as a reminder of the importance of recognizing the endeavors of pioneering women who have made significant progress in the fight for gender equality, social justice, and women’s empowerment. As we continue to strive for a more equitable society, it is crucial to celebrate, honor, and pay homage to these extraordinary women and the organizations like IWF-SA that support them, as their work continues to inspire, uplift, and empower others.
The honorees were Winnie Byanyima, Dr. Brigalia Bam, and Advocate Mojanku Gumbi, who have made significant contributions to gender equality, social justice, and women’s empowerment.
Winnie Byanyima is a Ugandan aeronautical engineer, politician, human rights activist, feminist, and diplomat, and is internationally recognized as a leader in women’s rights, democratic governance, and peace-building.
Dr. Brigalia Bam is the former chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission in South Africa and has dedicated her life to fostering democracy and empowering women in the country.
Advocate Mojanku Gumbi is a special advisor to former President Thabo Mbeki and currently holds the position of UN Special Advisor for Addressing Racism in the Workplace. She has participated in peace-making initiatives in various African countries and has advised on domestic policy issues such as healthcare reform, South African industry expansion, and banking and mining sector reforms.
The International Women’s Forum South Africa (IWF-SA) is an organization that plays a crucial role in promoting women’s empowerment and inspiring action towards a more equitable world. The organization offers mentorship programs and partnerships to help shape, educate, and mentor the upcoming generation of ethical women leaders.
The theme of the 2023 Hall of Femme Awards was “Pay It Forward,” which emphasizes the necessity for women to persist in their fight for an equal world and provide opportunities for future generations.
Mentorship is essential in the pursuit of gender equality as it provides guidance, support, and networking opportunities for young women in various sectors. It helps to cultivate the next generation of ethical women leaders and inspire them to break barriers and redefine leadership.
The FASSET Women’s Legacy Program is a partnership between the Financial and Accounting SETA and Duke Corporate Education that strives to mentor and develop 1,000 women in the financial sector by 2025. The program is one of the initiatives that the IWF-SA supports to inspire and empower young professional women.
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