Jeannette Kagame, whose country hosted the 2017 edition of the awards, was recognized for the work she does through her organization the Imbuto Foundation, which includes educating and empowering especially the most vulnerable groups in Rwanda.
The African Women of Excellence Awards (AWEA) in Sandton, Johannesburg on Saturday night honored women leaders across the globe, with the highlights reserved for late struggle icon Winnie Madikizeka-Mandela, the queen of soul Aretha Franklin, and Jeannette Kagame, the first lady of Rwanda.
The awards are an initiative aimed at recognizing the contributions of women of African descent across the world.
The awards are an initiative hosted by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Diaspora African Forum, which recognize the contributions of women of African descent across the world. Since 2015, the AWEA has honored game changers, rule breakers, and trailblazers, and Saturday night’s event proved to be one of the biggest ever so far.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton for the awards ceremony and networking event. More than 10 of Africa’s best and brightest women were honored for the work that they do in business and their communities.
The ceremony was co-chaired by AUC deputy chairperson Kwesu Quartey and Diaspora African Forum ambassador and head of mission Erieka Bennett, who paid tribute to Madikizela-Mandela, who died in April.
Rwanda’s high commissioner in South Africa Vincent Karega, who received an award on behalf of Jeannette Kagame, said Rwanda had seen the importance and impact of promoting women.
We have, therefore, committed ourselves to create and continue ensuring a conducive environment for their growth and development through favourable policies and laws. »
« It is safe to say that Rwanda is where it is today mainly due to the fact that we chose to promote the inclusion of women, as we could not leave out over 50 percent of our population and expect sustainable development, » Karega said.
