Namibia’s Dr Helena wins Forbes Woman Africa award
Namibia’s acclaimed ophthalmologist, Dr Helena Ndume, has won the Forbes Woman Africa Social Impact Award, as announced at the Forbes Africa Leading Women Summit.Dr Ndume, who has served as the head of ophthalmology at the Windhoek state hospital since 2005, has performed sight-restoring surgeries for more than 35 000 Namibians, free of charge.
The event is a celebration of women in various sectors that recognises powerhouses in technology, entertainment, business, sport and more.
“I’d like to congratulate all the winners of this year’s awards and extend my thanks for their contribution to women on the African continent,” said Renuka Methil, Managing Editor of Forbes Africa and Forbes Woman Africa. “Now, more than ever, we need bold leadership that considers the greater socio-economic impact and identifies opportunities for development within and beyond Africa. These women have overcome so many challenges and, in doing so, embody this year’s theme: Resetting Everything: The New Face of Leadership.”
Other awardees are:
• Young Achievers Award: Amanda Nomnqa, founder of the advocacy group SheIsBrave.
• Technology and Innovation Award: Odunayo Eweniyi, co-founder & COO of PiggyVest, the largest digital savings and micro-investment platform in Nigeria.
• Academic Excellence Award: Dr Claire Karekezi, Chair of African Women in Neurosurgery, who is a consultant neurosurgeon at the Rwanda Military Hospital in Kigali and the country’s first female neurosurgeon.
• Sports Award: Tatjana Schoenmaker, World Record Holder and Olympic Gold Medallist from South Africa.
• Entertainer Award: Angélique Kidjo, who is a singer-songwriter, UNICEF international goodwill ambassador and co-founder of the Batonga Foundation.
• Businesswoman Award: Joana Gyan Cudjoe, CEO of Golden Empire Legacy.
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, founder of Umlambo Foundation, Former Deputy President of South Africa and Former Executive Director UN Women.
This was the seventh edition of the Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit, presented by Mastercard, powered by the Multichoice Group, hosted on a virtual platform from 8 to 9 March. The free-to-attend event, which coincided with International Women’s Day, featured a top line-up of female speakers engaging on topics from hybrid working conditions to female-driven technology solutions.