New York, USA— Her Excellency Dinisia Dos Reis Embaló, First Lady of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, has been awarded the prestigious Global Female Impact Leadership (GFIL) Award. This honour recognises her exceptional contributions to women’s health, social justice, and community empowerment. Through her tireless efforts to improve healthcare systems and advocate for women’s rights, she has significantly impacted the lives of countless individuals in Guinea-Bissau.

The Global Power Women Yearbook (GPWY) 2024 event took place on 25th September 2024 at the Graduate Centre, City University of New York (CUNY), under the theme “Advancing the Transformative Power of Technology through Women's Lens: Shaping the Future of Business and Governance.” Organised by the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD) in collaboration with Amazons Watch Magazine (AWM), the event brought together influential women leaders from around the globe to celebrate their achievements, share insights, and discuss the pivotal role of women in shaping the future of business and governance through technology.

Championing health and social advocacy

H.E. Embaló’s career is defined by her deep commitment to healthcare and social welfare. As a graduate of the University of Santiago de Cuba with a specialisation in media technology and health statistics, she played a pivotal role in establishing the “Health Statistics Base” within Guinea-Bissau’s Ministry of Health. This initiative has been instrumental in enhancing healthcare planning and service delivery across the country.

She is also a passionate advocate in the fight against obstetric fistula, a debilitating condition affecting many women in rural areas due to childbirth complications. Under her leadership, vital health programs have been implemented to provide medical support and education to women suffering from this condition, restoring their health and dignity.

Champion for Women and Children

As First Lady, H.E. Embaló has become a leading advocate for vulnerable members of society, particularly women and children. She has taken a stand against harmful practices like female circumcision and is a strong supporter of abandoned children, ensuring they receive the resources needed for their care and education. Her work also focusses on empowering women in economic activities, equipping them with the tools to support their families, and emphasising the importance of children’s healthcare and education.

Her involvement in children’s welfare includes celebrating significant days such as Children’s Day and participating in initiatives aimed at protecting and supporting youth. Her dedication to both health and education highlights her commitment to building a healthier, more equitable future for all children in Guinea-Bissau. The GFIL Award honours her unwavering efforts and leadership, which have not only transformed healthcare in Guinea-Bissau but also uplifted vulnerable communities, championing the rights of women and children through her advocacy and hands-on initiatives.

A Global Recognition

Represented by H.E. Mrs. Maria Inácia Co Mendes Sanha, Minister of Women, Family, and Social Welfare of Guinea-Bissau, H.E. Embaló joined a distinguished group of global female leaders and honorees. These included H.E. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda; Dr. Filomena Gonçalves, Minister of Health, Cape Verde; and First Ladies such as H.E. Rossana Maria Briceño of Belize, H.E. Leticia Ocampos of Paraguay, Dr. Isaura Nyusi of Mozambique, and H.E. Arya Devi Ali of Guyana. Other notable attendees included Mansa Nettey, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, Ghana; Olive Birungi Lumonya, Deputy Director General of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority; Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO of Women’s World Banking; Abby Huang, Founder and CEO of Dime Inc.; Ruthe Farmer, Founder of Last Mile Education Fund; and Amira Youssef, VP of SocialPost. Together, they shared their experiences and visions for a more inclusive and equitable future.

About the Global Female Impact Leadership (GFIL) Award

The GFIL Award honours influential women leaders who have made significant progress in areas such as health, education, women’s rights, and social development. It celebrates their dedication to improving lives and creating sustainable, positive change in their communities.

About the Global Power Women (GPW) Yearbook
The Global Power Women (GPW) Yearbook is an exclusive and timeless compilation of highly inspirational success stories, achievements, innovations, and impact generated by the world’s top Power Women. This extraordinary book transcends time, showcasing the remarkable tales of triumph, innovation, and influence woven by the world’s most influential women. It immerses readers in a powerful captivating narrative, illustrating the profound impact of women’s leadership resonating across diverse sectors and global landscapes.

About the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD)
CELD is a global institution dedicated to empowering women and promoting leadership development. It advocates for gender equality and sustainable development, uplifting women leaders worldwide.

About Amazons Watch Magazine (AWM)
AWM is a leading platform celebrating women's achievements globally. Through inspirational stories, AWM champions gender equality and advocates for the empowerment of women across various sectors 

For more information on GPWY 2024
Phone: +44 7471066570
Email: alo_ed@africanleadership.co.uk, info@celd.org.uk