By Mohamed Hakim
THE introduction of the Zanzibar Woman of the Year Award expresses how Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) support the government’s agenda of women empowerment.
Isles Minister for Social Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Riziki Pembe Juma, made the remarks when presenting an award to Hafsa Mbamba, winner of the Zanzibar Woman of Year Award 2022, at a Stone Town Hotel here in Zanzibar.
“We are very pleased with the effort made by NGOs on enhancing and empowering women in Zanzibar, I expect you will continue to host this event in the future to encourage more women in development,” she said.
She congratulated Hafsa Mbamba for being nominated as Zanzibar Woman of the Year 2022 and encouraged her to be more confident and support other women whenever there is an opportunity.
The Minister said women were still facing many obstacles that drive them back to achieving their dreams in the workplaces or homes. “You won because people are confident on you, so do a favour to others by supporting them,” the minister emphasized.
The CEO of the Zanzibar Woman of the Year Award, Dr. Irmelin Drake, said the award was aimed at acknowledging and appreciating the effort made by women.The award winner thanked those who came up with this amazing idea and expressed that her winning was a great privilege for her and her family.
Mbamba won the award for her self-dedication in the tourism sector and as a woman who works hard and supportive of her society.
The winner of the 2019 award was Asha Bakari (DJ Hijjab), the only DJ wearing hijab in Zanzibar.
During the event, the minister was awarded a new book titled ‘Female Footprints’ whose aim is to inspire women to know Zanzibar through the lens of local women’s life realities, perspectives and experiences.
