Clinton to honour Kenyan ‘woman of courage’ for war on social injustice

“This award is aimed at honouring women, like you, who have undertaken extraordinary steps and overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles in the pursuit of equality, opportunity and justice.”

She will receive the award from Mrs Clinton at a ceremony in Washington DC. She will also participate in a high-profile programme of events in marking the International Women’s Day. The International Women of Courage award has recognised 24 remarkable women from various parts of the world since its inception in 2007.

It must be for Ms Njogu’s qualities that she was picked for the Ashoka Fellowship last year. The Ashoka foundation, founded by Bill Drayton in 1980, “believes that social entrepreneurs create innovative solutions, deliver extraordinary results and improve the lives of millions of people. Working with its global network of fellows, business entrepreneurs, policy makers, investors, academics and journalists, Ashoka seeks to ensure social entrepreneurs and their innovations continue to inspire a new generation of local change-makers to create positive social change.”

MS NJOGU HAS, THEREFORE, JOINED A fellowship that reflects her vision and values of progressive change.

An award glorifies not only the person who receives it, but also the work of the movements and groups to which he or she belongs. Awards encourage movements and their leaders to work harder in achieving progressive change for their countries.

They also bring about national, regional and global solidarity among people committed to fundamental changes in the world. Such acknowledgements also give the awardees necessary personal security and safety.

Ms Njogu’s award has touched off great celebrations in Kenya by women’s and other movements for progressive change.

Congratulations, Ms Njogu, for this national and international recognition and appreciation!

Your achievements will also help to consolidate the gains women have made in Kenya over the decades in their quest for gender equality and justice.

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