The Diaspora African Forum (DAF) Embassy for the African Diaspora has presented the prestigious Women of Excellence Award to Nana Yaa Sarpong, Founder of Women in Sustainability Africa (WiSA). This recognition was given during the Africa Media Leaders Roundtable, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The award celebrates Nana Yaa Sarpong's significant contributions to advancing sustainable development, women's leadership, and transformative initiatives across Africa.
Ambassador Dr. Erieka Bennett, Founder and Head of Mission of the DAF Embassy, presented the award to Nana Yaa Sarpong. In her presentation, Ambassador Bennett emphasized the importance of women supporting and uplifting each other as they ascend the leadership ladder. The DAF Embassy's initiative aims to spotlight women whose leadership, service, and contributions represent crucial chapters in Africa's ongoing journey toward empowerment and development.
Nana Yaa Sarpong is the founder of Women in Sustainability Africa (WiSA), a Coordinating Pan-African Organization. WiSA works with various stakeholders, including other CSOs, corporate institutions, local and international development organizations, and individuals. The organization's primary goal is to unite women and women's groups, particularly those at the grassroots level, to foster the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across Africa.
The Women of Excellence Award is one of two distinguished categories of awards presented by the DAF Embassy. The other category, the Living Legends Award, honors pioneering women whose remarkable contributions have paved the way for future generations. Previous recipients of the Living Legends Award include Chief Mrs. Dorothy Chinyere Anyiam-Osigwe, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini Zuma, and H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, among other iconic figures.
The Women of Excellence Award was conceived as a platform to recognize women of Africa and women of African descent whose contributions have advanced the struggle for political, social, and economic independence through excellence and meaningful engagement. This award aims to celebrate women whose leadership, achievements, and continued contributions are helping to shape Africa and the global African community.
WiSA's mission aligns with the achievement of the SDGs, particularly Goal 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. The organization believes that to build a sustainable Africa, women must be supported and empowered to lead the drive for achieving the SDGs. This includes bridging the gender inequality gap through a two-pronged approach.
The recognition of Nana Yaa Sarpong with the Women of Excellence Award underscores the impact of her work in advancing sustainable development and women's leadership across Africa. The DAF Embassy's efforts to honor women of excellence and living legends highlight the importance of women's contributions to Africa's development and empowerment.
Key points
- The Diaspora African Forum has honored Nana Yaa Sarpong with the Women of Excellence Award for her contributions to sustainable development and women's leadership in Africa.
- The award was presented during the Africa Media Leaders Roundtable on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
- The Women of Excellence Award aims to recognize women whose leadership and achievements are shaping Africa and the global African community.
