Prof Esther Mwaikambo Shines at the Tanzania Women of Achievement Awards
Prof. Esther Daniel Mwaikambo, Profesor of Paediatrics and Child Health and former Vice Chancellor of Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, emerged the winner of the Tanzania Women of Achievement Awards, (Health Achievement Award) as a recognition for her enormous achievements and ccontribution in the health sector for over 40 years, (being a Physician, a world class academician, an inspiring scholar and researcher, and a mentor to many, and one of the most highly accomplished Professors in Tanzania).The award that was organized by the Frontline Management, took place on the 3rd of December 2009 at the Mlimani City Hall. The awards seek to recognize Tanzanian women in different sectors who have made significant changes in their communities and the country as a whole.
The award had 11 categories which are arts and culture, health, agriculture, education, business entrepreneur, young achiever, science and technology, social welfare, public sector, sports and information and communication.
Other winners were:
1. Multichoice Arts and Culture Award- Rita Paulsen – Owner or Benchmark Productions and initiator of Bongo Star Search.
2. UNESCO Science and Technology Award- Susan Mashibe – Owner of TANJET an aircraft Technical Service Company.
3. Twiga Cement Social Welfare Award -Theresia Aloyce – Social Welfare Officer in Liwale district in Lindi.
4. NSSF Education Award -Anna Lukona – Teacher at Kilakala Primary School and initiator of a deaf class.
5. Vodacom Public Sector Award - Mercy Sila –DC Meru District.
6. Farm Equip Agriculture Award - Janeth Mlowe – Farmer and producer of local wines.
7. Information and Communication - Betty Mkwasa – DC Korogwe District.
8. TBL Sports Award- Anna Filbert Bayi – Chairperson CHANETA (Chama Cha Netiboli Tanzania).
9. NBC Business Entrepreneur Award- Odilia Martin – Owner of a successful cleaning services company.
10. Barrick Young Achiever Award- Emelda Mwamanga – Owner of Bang magazine and initiator of Dare to Dream women mentorship program.
The overall UNFPA Woman of the Year Award went to Anna Lukona, a teacher at Killakala Primary School who saw the need to help the deaf students that were studying at the school’s normal classes and fought to establish a special class for them. After the class was started Ms. Lukona went ahead to start evening classes for the parents and relatives of the deaf students to enable better communication with their children. Anna’s win has made her become the Tanzanian UN Goodwill Ambassador to fight gender based violence.
Bibi Titi Mohamed was honored the Lifetime Achievement Award for paving the way for women politicians and women empowerment, an award that was received by her daughter.
The event was well attended by the Tanzania corporate, ministers, delegates from various high commissions, delegates from the UN, and the general public. Winners received crystal trophies, certificates and a cash prize of 1 Million each.
On behalf of the staff, students, and the entire community of Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, we wish to congratulate you mama for the award. Keep it up.