Educationist nominated for global women’s award
PROMINENT educationist Dr Patricia Gonde of Lusitania Primary School in Harare has been nominated for the 2024 Women Changing the World Awards.
The Women Changing the World Awards, presented by the British Duchess of York, Ms Sarah Ferguson, and Ms Oprah Winfrey’s all-time favourite guest, Dr Tererai Trent, celebrate and recognise women achieving outstanding success in areas such as sustainability, humanitarian work, leadership, advocacy, tech, product development, education, health and innovation.
The winners of the 2024 Women Changing the World Awards will be announced at a glamorous event in London, United Kingdom, this May.
In a statement, Ms Ferguson said the awards not only celebrated individual accomplishments but also sought to inspire others to create change in ways both big and small.
“Our aim is to give voice to silent whispers. We want to lift women up all over the world and tell their stories,” she said
Dr Trent said women were strong and held the ideas and leadership to heal the world.
“These exceptional women are here to awaken hearts, give permission to recapture dreams and inspire the women of the world to come together to forge a brighter path for all. The rising of women is the awakening of everybody.”
The vision for these awards is to empower women everywhere and call on women across the globe to unite and pave the way towards a better future for all.
In an interview, Dr Gonde said the work was important because it leveraged her unique blend of expertise, passion, and leadership in education and advocacy to make a tangible difference in the world.
“I stand out for my dedication to elevating academic standards at Lusitania Primary School and my global advocacy and humanitarian efforts, particularly in empowering girls, women, and educators through initiatives like Girls and Women Leading Our World,” she said.
“My active participation in shaping educational policies and programmes worldwide and my hands-on humanitarian work in Zimbabwe showcase my belief in the transformative power of education. By championing gender equality, sustainability, and the fulfilment of Sustainable Development Goals, I am changing lives and communities, demonstrating how education can be a powerful tool for global change.
“Let us take charge and make change happen. Whether through small actions in our everyday lives or more significant efforts to effect systemic change, each of us has a role in creating a better future.
“It is easy to feel overwhelmed by our many challenges as a society. However, we can build a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for all by taking responsibility for our actions and working together. So, let us remember that change starts with us and let us seize the opportunity to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for all.”
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