Zim philanthropist nominated for global award
THE founder of the philanthropic organisation, Lily of Valleys Home of Hope, Mrs Fortunate Kufakunesu, has been nominated for the 2024 Women Changing the World Awards.
Established by Zimbabwean-American women empowerment advocate Dr Tererai Trent, the awards acknowledge the outstanding achievements of women across many fields, including humanitarian work, leadership, education and health.
This recognition celebrates Mrs Kufakunesu’s dedication to empowering young girls and women in Zimbabwe.
Expressing her gratitude for the nomination, Mrs Kufakunesu highlighted the positive impact she witnesses daily through her work.
“This work is so important because I see change in adolescent girls and young women every day,” she said. “I see hope written on their faces, I see confidence and a well-informed girl and woman migrating from being less fortunate to more fortunate.”
Dr Trent, the awards founder, emphasised the need to foster unity and collective action among women globally. “We are strong already, but together we are stronger,” she said.
“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.”
Mrs Kufakunesu, whose philanthropic efforts began in her hometown of Chihota, has consistently supported the advancement of women and girls through her organisation.
As a contender for the Women Changing the World Awards, Mrs Kufakunesu joins a cohort of exceptional and internationally recognised women shaping a brighter future for the vulnerable.