LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi First Lady Gertrude Mutharika has expressed profound gratitude after receiving the distinguished Arise Women of Africa (AWOA) award during the inaugural AWOA Continental Summit held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) on Friday, December 5, 2025.

She said the recognition is a deeply humbling honour that celebrates her contributions towards advancing women’s empowerment, visibility, and development across Malawi.

The award, she noted, is not merely a personal accolade but a symbol of the collective effort of all women and stakeholders committed to uplifting the status of women in the country.

Mutharika shared the prestigious honour with Zimbabwean First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa, who was also recognised for her outstanding work in championing women’s welfare.

The ceremony further celebrated four exceptional women whose impact has been felt across the region—Joan Muwende, Tilotenda Tiwalala, and Jayn Mandeule from Malawi, alongside Emma Nyerere from Tanzania.

She emphasized that the AWOA award acknowledges the powerful and unified push being made by women across Africa to strengthen recognition, leadership, and development on the continent.

Mutharika reaffirmed her commitment to continue contributing to women’s empowerment initiatives that open doors, create opportunities, and amplify the voices of African women in all sectors.

She highlighted that such recognition serves not only as a personal encouragement but also as a continental call for all women to rise, participate, and lead with confidence and purpose.

In her remarks, she extended heartfelt appreciation to organisers of the AWOA Summit for providing a platform that celebrates African women who are driving social and economic transformation.

Mutharika concluded by thanking God for the honour and blessing, praying for continued unity, strength, and progress among African women as they shape the continent’s future.

The Maravi Post