Awarded for helping the girl-child

The 11th Sarah Ntiro Lecture and Award brought together and honoured 12 women achievers and role models from all walks of life. The well-attended event held at Grand Imperial Hotel purposed to fete those women who are either inspiring models or have worked to facilitate girl-child education.

Prominent women professionals as well as some relatively low profile achievers turned out for the Forum for African Women Educationalists (Fawe) organised-event and, for the disadvantaged girl-child. The awards were first given to students under the sponsorship programme who had done Fawe proud in 2010.

The main awards came in two categories; the “Woman of Distinction” award which recognised women whose activities promoted girl child education, and the Model of Excellence award which awarded women achievers who set a good example for young girls. Dr Miria Matembe who was one of those honoured for her valiant efforts to promote girl child education gave thanks to God when accepting the award.

The “Model of Excellence” award lauded the young Rose Nakasi, a teaching assistant at the School of Computer studies Busitema University. Nakasi one of the beneficiary of the Fawe sponsorship and mentorship program could not contain her joy at being recognised. Others who received the award were Engineer Lillian Nagawa and Mrs Rita Nkemba the founder of Dwelling Places an NGO that shelters Karimojong street children in Kampala. Mrs Atuki Turner’s work with Mifumi in an effort to curb gender violence also earned herself an accolade, as well as Associate Prof Pamela Kasabiti Mbabazi whose work with Fawe in the western region was applauded.
Dr Miria Matembe who delivered the keynote address said ignorance and lack of resources were some of the issues hampering the advancement of girl child education. She called on the government to fund more technical institutions to cater for the increasing primary school drop outs and also asked decision makers to make it easier for teenage mothers to go back to school.
The chief guest, Unicef’s deputy representative Mary Agnyeobora challenged the girls under the mentorship programme to work for excellence to see their dreams realised. The Governor of Bank of Uganda, Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile pledged Shs20m to Fawe next financial year in appreciation of the Dr Sarah Ntiro’s work with the girl child’s education.

Women of Distinction Award
Justice Stella Arach Amoko, recognised for her work in mentoring girls in Gulu and its environs.
Dr Catherine Namuddu, Deputy chairperson Makerere University Council.
Mary Jane Okwakol, First female Vice chancellor Busitema University and chairperson FAWE Nairobi.
Professor Joy Kwesiga, Professor of Gender Studies and Vice chancellor Kabale University.
Professor Joyce Kikafunda, Professor of Agriculture and Food Science Makerere University. First woman to get first class degree in Agriculture and food science. Trains and mentors rural mothers on nutrition and encourages girls to do sciences.
Dr.Miria Matembe, For advocating women and girl child rights without fear or favour.

Model of Exellence Award
Associate Prof Pamela Kasabiiti Mbabazi, Professor of Development studies Mbarara University
Mrs Rita Nkemba, Founder of dwelling places that shelters street children
Ms Atuki Turner, of MIFUMI for her work against gender based violence.
Ms Rose Nakasi, Teaching assistant of Computer studies Busitema university. Also a beneficiary of FAWE sponsorship programme
Engineer Lillian Nagawa, Active in the mentorship and sponsorship programme
Dr.Violet Okaba, a Paeditrician and teaching assistant of paediatrics at Makerere University school of medicine.