Kabwila nominated for US award: ‘International Women of Courage’
As part of the commemoration of the Women History Month, the United States of America (USA) in Malawi has nominated Dr Jessie Kabwila, a lecturer at University of Malawi (UNIMA)’s Chancellor College for the 2014 US Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award for her activism .
During the month every year, the USA Government nominates women around the world for the award.
Speaking during the presentation of a certificate symbolizing the nomination held in the capital Lilongwe on Wednesday evening, USA Ambassador to Malawi Jeanine Jackson said Kabwila has been exceptional in advocating for academic freedom, promotion of respect for women’s minority groups and all universal human rights.
“Through her courageous efforts, Kabwila has taken the role of symbolic defender of Malawians’ personal and political rights including freedom of expression, academic freedom, gender equality and social justice hence our nomination of her,” she said.
Ambassodor Jackson said the award honours women around the globe who have exemplified exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for human rights, womens’ equality and social progress often at great personal risk.
Since its inception in 2007, the Department of State has honoured 66 women from 44 different countries around the world.
In her acceptance, Kabwila expressed her gratitude to the USA government for nominating her in the 2014 global prestigious award.
“This nomination will be given to the nation especially women who have done a lot and have not been recognised. This is the time to reconstruct Malawian women and girls,” she said.
Kabwila said her dream is to see Malawian women and girls being reconstructed interms of education and economic empowerment and gender equality.
