Pomp and colour at inaugural Inspirational Women of the Year awards 2014

Friday March 7, 2014, on the eve of the International Women’s day, at the Hilton Hotel Nairobi, history was unfolding; the ballroom was filled to capacity, 49 honourees of the first ever inspirational women of the year awards trooped into the hall, resplendent in their dinner attire with a matching purple colour reinforcing the theme of the day ‘ Inspiring change’. Some from as far as Mandera , Wajir, Homabay and Turkana Counties could not hide their joy as they made their way to the reserved tables in the five star hotel waiting to be crowned Inspirational women of the year 2014.

The Tamasha entertainment troupe belted out a remix of golden oldies and a blend of new age hits, the excitement in the air was palpable. Dreams were being validated.

The International women day 2014 was being marked in a rare fete, by awarding inspirational women from the 47 counties (one from each county) who have made impressive contributions towards the empowerment of women, girls and families.The event was a culmination of a successful collaboration between the National Gender and equality Commission, Mothers and Daughters, the Hilton Hotel, the Standard Group and the support of development partners UNFPA and UNDP that saw history being made as 47 women from all the Counties rose to be honored.

The honourees were adjudged from a list of nominees of inspirational women submitted from all the counties and after a competitive and rigorous vetting, the judges submitted a list of 49 winners. Award categories ranged from fight against female genital mutilation support for persons with disabilities, advocacy for the rights of the girl child, sensitization on property and inheritance rights, peace and conflict resolution among others.

NGEC Chairperson Winfred Lichuma paid glowing tribute to the honourees saying they had a set a precedent in the history of the country. “I urge the honourees to keep the fire burning. Let these awards become a source of inspiration for renewed vigour and dedication to continue empowering the vulnerable population in the society especially women, children, youth, the elderly, minority and marginalized groups” said Lichuma

The chief guest, Runyenjes legislator Cecily Mbarire decried the abject poverty women continue to wallow in. “Women are the backbone of a country’s economy and should be empowered. We want the government to ensure that big tenders are awarded to women so that they can rise above poverty and contribute to national development” said Mbarire.

The event lived up to its billing with compliments, hearty laughs and new friends being exchanged. The awards will be given every year as part of the festivities celebrating the International Women Day.

Below is the list of all the honourees: