Guyana’s First Lady receives Global Impact Leadership Award
First Lady Arya Ali receiving the prestigious Global Female Impact Leadership Award from the Executive Director of the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development, Dr. Ibifuro Ken-Giami, during the Global Power Women Conference in NY
In recognition of her work to advance the rights of women and girls, First Lady Arya Ali was on Wednesday conferred with the Global Female Impact Leadership Award during the Global Power Women Conference (GPWC) which was held at the City University of New York.
The award recognizes global ‘first ladies’ who have made a significant impact on a global scale through their strategic and compassionate leadership and advocacy; or by addressing critical global issues; or by driving positive social or environmental change; or by shaping global policies and practices to make a tangible difference in the world.
First Lady Arya Ali making a presentation on her groundbreaking Menstrual Hygiene Initiative to a global audience during the Global Power Women Conference
The award is conferred on global women leaders following a rigorous selection process and thorough merit-based assessment done by the Board of the Center for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD).
Saying she is humbled by the recognition, First Lady Arya Ali has declared the award is not just an individual accomplishment, but a tribute to the countless women in Guyana who have worked tirelessly for equality, recognition, and justice.
“The women whose voices have sometimes been silenced but whose courage have never faltered. The women who have shattered glass ceilings, as well as to those who are working every day to hold their families together, support their communities, and make small but significant strides towards gender equality. I stand here as one among many, humbled to represent their collective struggles, their resilience, and their unyielding determination,” she said during her acceptance speech.
She added that while the award is a symbol of what women in Guyana have achieved so far, it is also a reminder of the work that still lies ahead. She drew attention to the fact that it would take several centuries for gender parity to be achieved, despite the progress made; and she further thanked the Board of the Center of Economic and Leadership Development (CELD) for recognizing the work being done in Guyana for women and girls.
Attendees of the Global Power Women Conference listened keenly as First Lady Arya Ali made a presentation on her Menstrual Hygiene Initiative
“Thank you again for this incredible honour. Let us all continue the fight for a world where gender equality is not just a goal, but a reality,” she said.
Several of First Lady Arya Ali’s projects align with Sustainable Development Goal Five (5), which focuses on empowering women and achieving equality.
Specifically, her groundbreaking Menstrual Hygiene Initiative has impacted more than 32,000 women and girls, who continue to benefit from distribution of sanitary products and information regarding menstrual health and hygiene.
The First Lady also disclosed that project to a global audience at the conference in New York, and received a standing ovation for its transformational impact on the lives of women and girls.
