London, United Kingdom – [April 2025] – At the Global Power Women Awards – London, Her Excellency Ms. Macenje Mazoka, High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia to the United Kingdom, delivered an inspiring goodwill address centered on the African philosophy of Ubuntu—“I am because we are,” a term originating from the Nguni Bantu languages of Southern Africa, as a guiding principle for transformational leadership and women’s empowerment.

“Ubuntu lies at the heart of Nandek culture and resonates deeply with the aspirations of women leaders worldwide,” she began. “It teaches us that leadership is not about personal gain, but about fostering collective progress, compassion, and shared humanity.”

Speaking to a room filled with global dignitaries and changemakers, H.E. Mazoka emphasized that Zambia’s leadership approach, rooted in Ubuntu, prioritizes values such as care, peaceful coexistence, support, and mutual respect, particularly crucial in advancing gender equity and women’s leadership.

She celebrated Zambia’s recent milestones in championing inclusive leadership, including the establishment of the African Women Leadership Network, Zambia Chapter, and the Gender Transformative Worship Initiative. These initiatives, she noted, are creating platforms for women to rise as leaders in governance, entrepreneurship, and grassroots transformation.

“We’ve seen how fostering empathy and collaboration through Ubuntu can break barriers and unlock hidden potential. Women leaders create inclusive spaces where diverse voices thrive. They are not just present at the table, they are empowered to lead.”

H.E. Mazoka also paid tribute to Zambia’s legacy of female pioneers. She spotlighted inspirational women who have shaped Zambia’s socio-political and educational landscape:

• Halongo Jidengi, Country Director of Self-Help Africa since 2009, recognized as one of Africa’s most influential women in business and government;
• Ruth Mubaka, Zambia’s first female university chancellor, whose leadership continues to transform education;
• Makati Ndienganga, a political trailblazer who, in 1962, became the first Zambian woman to contest and win a parliamentary seat.

“These women reflect the spirit of Ubuntu,” she affirmed. “Their stories reaffirm our national commitment to ensure that no one is left behind—especially those who laid the foundation for Zambia’s progress.”

She also acknowledged the contributions of male allies in Zambia who have consistently advanced community development and gender-inclusive leadership, reinforcing the belief that sustainable change is only possible when everyone is involved.

“Ubuntu reminds us that humanity is shared,” H.E. Mazoka concluded. “And transformational leadership—led by women, grounded in empathy, justice, and unity, will continue to shape the future of our continent.”

About the Global Power Women Awards

Organized by the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD), in special consultative status with the United Nations ECOSOC, the GPW Awards is a signature initiative celebrating the extraordinary achievements of women in leadership. This platform ignites dialogue, honors changemakers, and champions the mission of gender equity on a global scale.

About Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD)

Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD) is a leading human capacity, gender empowerment and development-based organisation that sees itself as a catalyst and thought leader in developing the theory and practice of leadership, social, educational and economic empowerment particularly in Africa, and also the developing countries of the Middle East and Asia. As an organisation currently in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) since 2012, we strive to advance our partnership with public and private sector organisations at different stages to develop, refine and effectively execute strategies that deliver superior corporate/institutional excellence. We empower the men and women folk for peak performance.