IRENE KIWIA, A TANZANIAN BUSINESSWOMAN WINS AFRICA'S TOP AWARD

Ms. Irene Kiwia.

A young Tanzanian businesswoman, Irene Kiwia, has won Africa’s Woman of the Year Award for her work in advancing women entrepreneurial skills in the country.

A statement released by Africa Reconnect on Tuesday said Ms Kiwia was among 11 African women awarded last weekend in Polokwane, South Africa during an annual conference of the institution.

The statement added that the conference whose theme was ‘Accelerating Positive Change’ named other recipients as Seja Lorraine Semenya for best Cultural Developer in Africa, Dr. K. S Malukele for Best Community Developer in Africa, Mphatheleni Makaulele for Most Inspiring Woman in Africa, all from South Africa.

“The first lady of Akwibo State for Best Philanthropic in Africa and Irene Kiwia from Tanzania won Woman of the Year Africa award,” the statement added.

Other awardees included Professor Philip Venter from South Africa for outstanding man innovator, Prof.

Uphie Chinje from Cameroon for African Frontline Researcher of the year, Dinah Denga from South Africa for best female Farmer in Africa 2015, Sibusisi Leope from South Africa for Most Outstanding African Man, Evelyn Lungu Chama from Zambia for Ideal Educator in Africa and Zorha Khan from South Africa for Most Involved Community Developer in Africa 2015.

Africa Reconnect founder, Nomdeni Chengeta said while it is true that women in Africa and in most parts of the world still face discrimination and marginalization, as well as nonrecognition and disrespect, many are facing these challenges with great perseverance and strength and are daily creating history, changing the status quo.

“Africa Reconnect aims to showcase women who have attained prominence in Africa in various areas of endeavour and are impacting the future,” Ms Chengeta noted.

Chengeta further stated that Africa Reconnect is proud to bring into attention the work that women are doing on the African continent which will be a source of inspiration and motivation for other women.

“Women have made remarkable contributions to the growth and development of the various nations in Africa and without these women, and some men, the history of the countries would not be different from what it is today,” the Africa Reconnect founder, said.

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