The African Women in Development (AWID) Awards spotlight African women driving global progress at all levels—through activism, entrepreneurship, research, and leadership. By amplifying their stories and achievements, AWID aims to inspire and create opportunities for a new generation of African women guiding sustainable development in their communities.

Ghanaian-born gender advocate Maudlyn Akosua Awuku, founder and CEO of the Anijie Global Foundation and GEWE Network, has been named one of the 2024 50 Outstanding African Women in Development by the Donors for Africa Foundation. The AWID Awards honor exceptional African women leaders who are advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals across the continent.

"From over 34 African countries, I am thrilled and humbled to be selected as one of the 50 Outstanding African Women in Development," said Ms. Awuku. "The AWID Awards amplify the achievements of women catalyzing change. As leaders and changemakers from across Africa, we are united by bold ideas, a desire to positively impact our societies, and a hunger for the tools to advance our leadership visions."

Through her non-profit Anijie Global Foundation and GEWE Network social enterprise, Awuku has spearheaded transformative initiatives that have empowered women and girls, elevated education standards addressing girls leadership, period poverty, financial independence and fostered socioeconomic development in underserved communities across Ghana and Africa. Her trailblazing work not only embodies the spirit of the AWID Awards but also serves as an inspiration for all.

Previous AWID honorees include Nobel Laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Ndidi Nwuneli, and Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, wife of the Ekiti State Governor, among other renowned changemakers.
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