Vision Woman achievers’ gala thrills, inspires
Apr 06, 2011
WHEN the New Vision Woman Achievers’ Awards were born seven years ago, with the aim of recognising women who contribute extraordinarily to the wellbeing and progress of our society, there was no pomp of any kind to the awards gala.
By Chris Kiwawulo and Joseph Ssemutooke
WHEN the New Vision Woman Achievers’ Awards were born seven years ago, with the aim of recognising women who contribute extraordinarily to the wellbeing and progress of our society, there was no pomp of any kind to the awards gala.
After adverts were put out calling for nominations and they were sent in, New Vision journalists traversed the country-side writing stories of the extraordinary women who, often with meager resources and from personal initiative, were doing a lot to change their communities.
After a panel of judges went through all the stories and selected the winner (this number has risen to three), New Vision’s features team would get an afternoon and invite the nominated women to a small gathering in the journalists’ meeting room.
They would be presented with certificates of recognition over a few snacks and soft drinks.
But last Friday in the spacious ballroom of the luxurious Golf Course Hotel, the 2011 New Vision Women Achievers’ Awards dinner turned out to be a glitzy and glamorous affair.
The multi-course dinner was sumptuous. Twenty of the 22 nominees for the 2011 Awards were not only present, but also smartly clad in glittering dinner outfits.
In the house were also dignitaries from international and local humanitarian and development organisations.
Stories of this year’s three award winners played in motion picture off four flat-screens tvs strewn across the ballroom and were published in a book given to the guests — courtesy of UNFPA. And live music from the Barbed Wire Thong Band led by Sarah Ndagire, provided a sassy backdrop to it all.
Ah, and the top three winners walked off with serious prizes! Filder Constance Auma, who emerged winner of this years’ Woman Achiever crown, walked off with a sh5m prize and an exquisite plaque signifying her commendable work for society.
First runner-up, Flossy Nakaiza, walked off with sh2m and a plaque while second runner-up, former New Vision scribe, Alice Emasu, walked off with sh1m and a plaque as well.
The other 19 nominees for this year’s awards, whose theme was maternal health, also walked off with certificates testifying their outstanding role in improving maternal health in their societies.
Janet Jackson, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) country chief, said Uganda needs more women like the nominees who are selflessly dedicated to improving maternal health without pay.
The awards were supported by UNFPA, dfcu Bank and the National Women’s Council.
WHEN the New Vision Woman Achievers’ Awards were born seven years ago, with the aim of recognising women who contribute extraordinarily to the wellbeing and progress of our society, there was no pomp of any kind to the awards gala.
After adverts were put out calling for nominations and they were sent in, New Vision journalists traversed the country-side writing stories of the extraordinary women who, often with meager resources and from personal initiative, were doing a lot to change their communities.
After a panel of judges went through all the stories and selected the winner (this number has risen to three), New Vision’s features team would get an afternoon and invite the nominated women to a small gathering in the journalists’ meeting room.
They would be presented with certificates of recognition over a few snacks and soft drinks.
But last Friday in the spacious ballroom of the luxurious Golf Course Hotel, the 2011 New Vision Women Achievers’ Awards dinner turned out to be a glitzy and glamorous affair.
The multi-course dinner was sumptuous. Twenty of the 22 nominees for the 2011 Awards were not only present, but also smartly clad in glittering dinner outfits.
In the house were also dignitaries from international and local humanitarian and development organisations.
Stories of this year’s three award winners played in motion picture off four flat-screens tvs strewn across the ballroom and were published in a book given to the guests — courtesy of UNFPA. And live music from the Barbed Wire Thong Band led by Sarah Ndagire, provided a sassy backdrop to it all.
Ah, and the top three winners walked off with serious prizes! Filder Constance Auma, who emerged winner of this years’ Woman Achiever crown, walked off with a sh5m prize and an exquisite plaque signifying her commendable work for society.
First runner-up, Flossy Nakaiza, walked off with sh2m and a plaque while second runner-up, former New Vision scribe, Alice Emasu, walked off with sh1m and a plaque as well.
The other 19 nominees for this year’s awards, whose theme was maternal health, also walked off with certificates testifying their outstanding role in improving maternal health in their societies.
Janet Jackson, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) country chief, said Uganda needs more women like the nominees who are selflessly dedicated to improving maternal health without pay.
The awards were supported by UNFPA, dfcu Bank and the National Women’s Council.