On April 10th, 2025, the halls of Corinthia London came alive with the vibrant energy of female powerhouses and diplomatic dignitaries gathered for the Global Power Women Awards—a celebration of women’s leadership, equity, and collective action. It wasn’t just another night of speeches and accolades—it was a call to reflection, a catalyst for global solidarity, and a vivid portrait of how women are reshaping the world.
Good evening your excellencies, distinguished guests, trailblazers, visionaries, and global change agents.
It is with immense joy, deep honour, and profound purpose that I welcome you all to the Global Power Women Awards London 2025.
Tonight, we gather not merely to present accolades or applaud individual excellence—though we will do that, and rightfully so because every woman seated here today who are lined up to receive the global power women awards do not just deserve this honour and spotlight; they have earned it. Tonight, we stand at a powerful intersection: where recognition meets responsibility, where celebration meets reflection, and where legacy meets the urgency of now.
As I look around this room, I see women—and allies of women—whose presence alone shifts paradigms. Women who are architects of economies, re-definers of power, and re-writers of what is possible. You are not just leading sectors—you are reimagining societies.
But let me say this, not as a ceremonial remark, but as a truth I carry with every heartbeat: power is no longer about position. It is about purpose. And true leadership is no longer defined by hierarchy, but by impact. The world today does not just need women in power—it needs women of power. Women who lead with courage, compassion, and conviction.
At the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development, our vision has never been about creating another seat at the table. We are building new tables entirely—tables shaped by equity, draped in resilience, and rooted in legacy; tables where women not just rise in a vacuum or as ceremonial heads, but they indeed rise to lead, and lead with courage challenging norms, setting new standards and records and leaving a trail of possibilities for the upcoming women to follow.
…And for these upcoming giants who are here represented in this room, I’m sure you must have seen some kind of possibilities but today you will be shown that possibilities exist in different dimensions. To all the upcoming Global Power woman seated here today, as you join in celebrating the giants who are gone ahead of you, I urge you to think, aspire and imagine the possible because in this room today are pathfinders and custodians of what I define ‘’the Possible’ ’Powered by Women of Purpose and Impact
And so, this evening, to all our amazing awardees, as the chandeliers above us glisten and the Corinthian walls echo with applause, I invite you to see these Awards not as a finish line, but as a starting point. A launchpad. A moment that says: “You have done well. Now, go farther. Dream bigger. Lead louder.”
Let me leave you with this question that has anchored my life’s mission:
What does the world look like when women are not just empowered, but unshackled? Not just celebrated, but fully supported? Not just included, but indispensable?
That is the world we are shaping together—one woman, one voice, one bold step at a time.
So let the conversations tonight be daring. Let the stories shared be unapologetically real. And let the fire we ignite here in London blaze across every continent.
Welcome to an unforgettable night.
Welcome to the Global Power Women Awards London 2025.
Thank you.
In a moment of heartfelt sincerity, His Excellency Ignacio Higueras Hare, the Ambassador of Peru to the United Kingdom, delivered a poignant address—part in French, part in global truth. He urged the audience to go beyond celebration and take concrete steps to improve and safeguard the economic rights of women. “True equality is a collective mission,” he declared, emphasizing that women should not just be included, but embraced as essential forces in the shaping of our world. With gratitude to the Center for Economic and Leadership Development, he saluted events like this for providing platforms for meaningful dialogue and connection.
Mrs. Manorie Mallikaratchy, Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK, took the stage next and offered a deeply personal narrative—one of legacy, resilience, and the unshakeable spirit of Sri Lankan women. She transported the audience through centuries of female leadership in her country, from Queen Anuradha Devi to modern trailblazers like Prime Minister Dr. Harini Ambedkar. “Leadership,” she said, “is not about titles, but about transforming lives in both visible and invisible ways.” With powerful examples of women driving community finance, leading peace efforts, and commanding academic innovation, she reminded the world that grassroots empowerment is alive and thriving.
From Latin America came yet another compelling voice—Christiane Aquino-Bonomo, Deputy Consul General of Brazil in London. Representing one of the world’s largest democracies, she spoke passionately about Brazil’s gender equality efforts and the legacy of President Dilma Rousseff, the first woman to hold the country’s highest office. Aquino-Bonomo highlighted strategic policies like BOLSA Família, a cash transfer program empowering female heads of households, and Women in International Business, a bold initiative enabling over 3,000 women-led companies to access international markets. She delivered a sobering reminder, citing UN statistics, that only 25 countries have women as heads of state or parliament, calling for more inclusive and representative leadership globally.
From Southern Africa, H.E. Mazoka Macenje, Zambia’s High Commissioner to the UK, offered a deeply reflective address grounded in cultural insight on transformative leadership. Drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of African philosophy, she evoked the profound principle of Ubuntu—captured by the phrase, “I am because we are”—a guiding value deeply embedded in African traditions that underscores our common humanity, interconnectedness, and the importance of collective advancement.
According to H.E. Macenje, this ethos is not just a cultural ideal but a transformative lens through which leadership—particularly women’s leadership—must be understood and practiced. She spoke passionately about how Zambia’s approach to leadership, grounded in values of empathy, care, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect, is creating inclusive spaces where women can rise and communities can thrive.
Highlighting national achievements, she proudly showcased Zambia’s impactful initiatives such as the African Women Leadership Network – Zambia Chapter and Gender Transformative Worship, both of which have significantly empowered women in governance, entrepreneurship, and grassroots advocacy. These efforts, she emphasized, are actively dismantling barriers and unleashing women’s leadership potential across diverse sectors.
Throughout the speeches and enthusiastic standing ovations, a powerful, unified message resonated clearly: women are not merely awaiting change—they are actively driving it. From Peru to Sri Lanka to Brazil and Zambia, these inspiring women are not exceptions—they represent compelling evidence of what becomes possible when equity, vision, and purposeful leadership converge.
As the evening concluded, one phrase echoed through the hearts of attendees: “Women’s Day is every day.” And indeed, on this night in London, the world witnessed a glimpse of what that everyday might look like—powerful, inclusive, and unstoppable.
This is just the beginning of a new era—one where stakeholders across industries can rally behind a single voice to drive real change, spark new ideas, and accelerate the movement.
From Silence to Strength: The Rise of Resilient Voices 🌍✨
There was a time when the first drop of blood came not with celebration, but with shame. For millions of girls around the world, menstruation has been treated like a curse—a reason to hide, to withdraw, to be made to feel dirty. But no more. Today, a powerful movement is breaking centuries of silence. It’s giving girls back their dignity, their education, their dreams. It’s giving them their voices—and together, those voices are rising louder, stronger, unstoppable.
Across villages, cities, and continents, the message is clear: menstruation should never be a barrier. Girls are not dirty. Girls are not broken. Girls are resilient.
The Resilient Voices project was born out of courage—the courage to challenge harmful stigmas, to transform broken systems, and to reclaim the dignity that every girl deserves. From London to Lagos, Gaborone to Georgetown, millions are standing up, speaking out, and reshaping the world. 🌎🚀
This is not just a campaign. It’s a global movement. And it needs you.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT 💬✊🏽
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Resilient Voices Project and be part of the change.
Join the Movement! 
Celebrating Vision. Driving Change. 
Leading with Vision. Powering with Purpose. Empathy in Action: Mrs. Ann Marie Davis Honored at the 2025 Global Power Women Awards for Transformational Leadership
In a dazzling celebration of women who lead with courage and compassion, the 2025 Global Power Women Awards (GPW Awards) illuminated London’s global stage by recognizing the most impactful female changemakers of our time. Among the standout honorees was Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, Spouse of the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, who received the Global Female Impact Leadership Award—a testament to her dynamic advocacy for gender equality, public health, and sustainable community development.
Hosted by the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD)—a UN ECOSOC-accredited organization—this year’s GPW Awards brought together thought leaders, diplomats, and global influencers to spotlight women shaping the world’s future. Mrs. Davis’s recognition symbolized a bold new era of empathetic, strategic leadership committed to systemic change.
With an unrelenting drive to uplift vulnerable communities, Mrs. Davis is reshaping The Bahamas’ development narrative through initiatives that align closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her work spans from youth empowerment and gender justice to social reconstruction and cervical cancer eradication. Through both policy insight and ground-level action, she is helping build a world where every woman and child has access to health, dignity, and opportunity.
🌱 One of her most celebrated initiatives is a nationwide breadfruit tree planting campaign, which addresses both food insecurity and public health by promoting nature-based, climate-resilient development strategies. This visionary project illustrates how traditional knowledge and modern development goals can intersect to drive long-term, sustainable impact.
More than an advocate, Mrs. Davis is a living example of leadership grounded in empathy, innovation, and purpose. Her global recognition at the 2025 GPW Awards not only celebrates her achievements but also inspires women worldwide to lead with heart, equity, and determination.
A Night of Prestige, Diplomacy, and Global Sisterhood
The GPW Awards was more than an award ceremony—it was a global assembly of power, influence, and hope. Distinguished guests included H.E. Ignacio Higueras Hare (Ambassador of Peru to the UK), H.E. Manorie Mallikaratchy (Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka), H.E. Christiane Aquino Bonomo (Deputy Consul-General, Brazil Embassy), and Mr. Ivan Romero-Martinez (Ambassador of Honduras). The event also welcomed Delyth Panneth, UK Country Coordinator of Days for Girls, a champion for menstrual health and equity.
✨ Leadership that transforms. Advocacy that heals. Vision that uplifts. ✨
Let us honor the women shaping a better future—one community, one initiative, one bold decision at a time.
GPWA 2025: First Lady Fatoumatta Bah Barrow Honored with Global Female Impact Leadership Award in London
London, United Kingdom – [April 2025] – The 2025 Global Power Women Awards (GPW Awards), a renowned international platform celebrating women of extraordinary impact, proudly conferred the Global Female Impact Leadership Award on Her Excellency Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, the esteemed First Lady of The Republic of The Gambia. The award recognizes her deep-rooted commitment to humanitarian service, her unwavering advocacy for women and children, and her enduring vision for a more inclusive and equitable Gambia.
Held in the prestigious city of London, the GPW Awards shine a global spotlight on exceptional female leaders whose work transcends boundaries and uplifts societies. H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah Barrow stood out as a symbol of compassionate leadership, celebrated for her tireless efforts to uplift the most vulnerable in her country.
Assuming the role of First Lady in 2017, Mrs. Barrow brought with her a sincere dedication to public service. Her initiatives are centered around improving lives—particularly of women, children, and underserved communities. With a background in the private sector spanning roles in sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship, she pivoted into full-time advocacy through the launch of her foundation, the Fatoumatta Bah Barrow Foundation (FaBB).
Founded in 2017, FaBB has become a beacon of hope across The Gambia, executing life-changing programs in health, education, and social welfare. Under her leadership, the foundation has provided critical support ranging from maternal health to youth development, while championing social inclusion, equity, and access to basic services.
Beyond her foundation, Mrs. Barrow actively collaborates with national and international stakeholders, including civil society groups and development agencies, to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in empathy, action, and accountability, making her a powerful voice for the voiceless and a changemaker on the African continent.
From Zimbabwe to Global Recognition: Dr. Mandas Marikanda Receives African Female Banking CEO Impact Award in London
London, United Kingdom – [April 2025] – At the dazzling Global Power Women Awards (GPW Awards) held in London, Dr. Mandas Marikanda, Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank (ZWMB), was honored with the African Female Banking CEO Impact Award in recognition of her visionary leadership and groundbreaking contributions to financial inclusion and economic empowerment in Africa.
With over 26 years of expertise in development finance, Dr. Marikanda stands out as one of Africa’s most impactful financial leaders, transforming the banking landscape for marginalized communities, especially rural populations, women, and youth. Her tenure at the helm of Zimbabwe’s first women-focused bank has been marked by innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to inclusive growth.
A Trailblazer in Financial Inclusion
Since taking over leadership at ZWMB, Dr. Marikanda has implemented pioneering financial models designed to reach underserved demographics. Her work has led to the introduction of group savings programs, accessible microfinance packages, and practical financial literacy training tailored for grassroots communities.
An accredited trainer with the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization, she has rolled out the globally recognized “Making Microfinance Work” program, empowering countless individuals with the tools to build sustainable livelihoods. Her approach fuses technical financial expertise with a deep understanding of socio-economic realities, resulting in lasting community impact.
Academic Excellence and Regional Impact
Dr. Marikanda’s academic background is as impressive as her professional portfolio. She holds a Ph.D. in Economic Empowerment and Microfinance from Aldersgate College in the Philippines, an MBA in Leadership from Eastern University in the USA, and an Honours degree in Human Resources from the University of Zimbabwe.
Before joining ZWMB, she was the Executive Director at Pundutso Microfinance, a key partner of World Vision, where she led transformational projects across multiple African countries. Her expertise has been sought for cross-border initiatives and policy-shaping conversations around gender-focused finance and rural development.
A Decorated Leader in African Banking
Dr. Marikanda’s distinguished career has earned her numerous national and international accolades. These include the Zimbabwe Institute of Management’s National Leadership Excellence Award, the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce’s CEO of the Year Award, and her recognition in the Zimbabwe Business Hall of Fame—affirming her standing as a thought leader and role model in banking and finance.
Her work has not only advanced institutional goals but also catalyzed women-led entrepreneurship, helping thousands of small business owners scale their operations through access to credit and skills development.
Celebrating African Female Excellence in London
The GPW Awards in London brought together a constellation of dignitaries, industry leaders, and diplomats to celebrate women who are rewriting Africa’s leadership narrative. Distinguished guests included H.E. Ignacio Higueras Hare, Ambassador of Peru; H.E. Mrs. Manorie Mallikaratchy, Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka; and Amb. Ivan Romero-Martinez, Ambassador of Honduras.
The ceremony also honored iconic figures like H.E. Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire; H.E. Dr. Ana Dias Lourenço, First Lady of Angola; and H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia—women whose work spans governance, development, and humanitarian advocacy.
Leaving a Legacy of Impact
Dr. Mandas Marikanda’s award cements her place among Africa’s most influential banking CEOs. Her leadership goes beyond boardrooms—it builds communities, fosters dignity, and uplifts those long excluded from traditional financial systems. She continues to inspire a new generation of women to embrace leadership in finance with purpose, courage, and compassion.
From Megawatts to Milestones: Engr. Ziria Tibalwa Waako Honored with African Female Leadership Impact Award at GPW Awards 2025
In a night that illuminated visionary leadership and transformative impact, Engr. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, Chief Executive Officer of Uganda’s Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), was presented with the African Female Leadership Impact Award at the 2025 Global Power Women Awards (GPW Awards) in London. Her recognition is a powerful testament to her pioneering influence in Africa’s energy sector, her commitment to sustainable development, and her tireless advocacy for women in STEM.
Hosted by the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD)—a United Nations ECOSOC-accredited organization—the GPW Awards shine a global spotlight on women whose leadership drives real-world change across borders and sectors. For Engr. Ziria, the honor affirms a legacy that has electrified not only Uganda’s power grid but the aspirations of women across the continent.
As CEO of ERA since 2017, Engr. Ziria has led Uganda through a bold energy transformation. Under her strategic leadership, the country’s electricity generation capacity more than doubled—from 895.5 MW in 2016 to over 2,050 MW by 2024—while access to electricity surged to an impressive 60%. Her foresight has ushered in a more resilient and inclusive energy mix by integrating solar, wind, bagasse, and geothermal energy sources.
💡 Yet her leadership extends beyond infrastructure—it’s about inclusion and innovation. Engr. Ziria is the driving force behind Uganda’s Women in Energy initiative, mentoring and mobilizing young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and energy regulation. Her work is shaping a future where women are not just participants, but leaders in energy transition.
Under her stewardship, ERA has consistently ranked as Africa’s top electricity regulatory agency, according to the African Development Bank’s Electricity Regulatory Index—a testament to her technical acumen, policy foresight, and people-first leadership.
From Côte d’Ivoire to the World Stage: First Lady Dominique Ouattara Celebrated with Global Female Impact Leadership Award in London
London, United Kingdom – [April 2025] – The 2025 Global Power Women Awards (GPW Awards), a prestigious international celebration of female excellence and impact, proudly conferred the Global Female Impact Leadership Award on Her Excellency Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, the distinguished First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire, in recognition of her tireless humanitarian efforts and transformative leadership across Africa.
Held in the heart of London, the GPW Awards spotlight the achievements of exceptional women who are breaking barriers, inspiring change, and championing global progress. H.E. Mrs. Dominique Ouattara emerged as a standout honoree for her longstanding dedication to the empowerment of vulnerable populations, especially women and children.
Since assuming her role as First Lady in 2011, Mrs. Ouattara has committed herself wholly to social work, having previously built a successful career in real estate. Her vision for a better Africa led to the founding of the Children of Africa Foundation in 1998, now operating in 11 African countries, supporting initiatives in health, education, and social welfare. Among her landmark achievements is the Mother and Child Hospital in Bingerville, a state-of-the-art facility that has significantly contributed to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
Her leadership extends to the frontlines of the fight against child labor, serving as President of the National Oversight Committee for the Fight Against Trafficking, Exploitation, and Child Labor. Through this role, she has spearheaded national and regional strategies to protect children and restore their rights to safety, education, and dignity.
The GPW Awards, organized by the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD)—a United Nations ECOSOC-accredited organization seeks to amplify the voices and efforts of women like Mrs. Ouattara, whose leadership models resilience, equity, and transformational impact.
From Economic Visionary to Social Advocate: Her Excellency Dr. Ana Dias Lourenço Honored with Global Female Impact Leadership Award in London
London, United Kingdom – [April 2025] – From her influential role in shaping national economic policy to her current mission as a champion for human development and women’s empowerment, Her Excellency Dr. Ana Afonso Dias Lourenço, the First Lady of the Republic of Angola, has been honored with the Global Female Impact Leadership Award at the prestigious Global Power Women Awards (GPW Awards) in London. This recognition celebrates her outstanding leadership, transformative public service, and unwavering advocacy for Angola’s sustainable development.
A highly accomplished economist, Dr. Lourenço holds a degree in Economics from Agostinho Neto University, with postgraduate studies in African Studies and Development from the Catholic University of Lisbon. With a public service career spanning decades, her visionary approach has had far-reaching influence across Angola and the African continent.
Leading Angola’s Economic and Developmental Transformation
Dr. Lourenço’s professional journey includes serving as Deputy Minister and later Minister of Planning from 1997 to 2012, where she spearheaded major development strategies and economic reforms. Under her stewardship, Angola witnessed crucial planning and investment frameworks that laid the foundation for long-term national growth.
Her international influence was equally profound. From 2012 to 2016, she served as Executive Director at the World Bank Group, representing Angola alongside South Africa and Nigeria. In this global capacity, she advocated for inclusive economic policies, regional development financing, and strategic investments that benefited sub-Saharan Africa.
A Transformative First Lady
Since becoming First Lady of Angola in September 2017, Dr. Lourenço has redefined the role by actively championing initiatives that prioritize education, health, environmental sustainability, and the empowerment of young girls. Her vision for Angola is deeply rooted in human development, equity, and moral integrity.
Through her leadership, she has launched and supported numerous programs aimed at improving living conditions for underserved communities, especially women and children. She emphasizes instilling fundamental social and moral values as a cornerstone for national pride and collective progress.
A Voice for Girls and Women
Dr. Lourenço is a powerful advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Her work continues to break down socio-cultural barriers that hinder female progress and encourages broader participation of women in national development. Her initiatives serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity, particularly for young girls in Angola and beyond.
Honoring a Lifelong Commitment to Service
As a recipient of the Global Female Impact Leadership Award, Her Excellency and her representatives joined an elite class of African women whose impact spans governance, civil society, and international diplomacy. Her enduring commitment to social justice, sustainable development, and gender empowerment stands as a testament to transformative leadership.
Her story is not only one of remarkable professional accomplishments but also of compassion, vision, and devotion to the people of Angola.
Diplomatic Prestige on the Global Stage
The event welcomed a distinguished delegation of Ambassadors, Diplomats, and Global Leaders from across the world. In attendance were H.E. Ignacio Higueras Hare, Ambassador of the Embassy of Peru in London; H.E. Mrs. Manorie Mallikaratchy, Acting High Commissioner of the Sri Lanka High Commission in London; H.E. Christiane Aquino Bonomo, Deputy Consul-General of the Brazil Embassy in London and Mr. Ivan Romero-Martinez, Ambassador of the Embassy of Honduras in London. Representing grassroots empowerment, Delyth Panneth, UK Country Coordinator for Days For Girls, joined as a key Resilient Voices Project Partner, championing dignity, health, and opportunity for girls everywhere.
Championing Peace and Progress: Dagmawit Moges Bekele Receives African Female Leadership Impact Award in London
London, United Kingdom – [April 2025] – In a powerful recognition of her steadfast leadership and service to the African continent, Mrs. Dagmawit Moges Bekele, Director of the Peace Fund Secretariat at the African Union Commission, was honored with the African Female Leadership Impact Award at the 2025 Global Power Women Awards (GPW Awards), held in London.
The GPW Awards, a prestigious global platform celebrating visionary women leaders, spotlighted Mrs. Moges Bekele for her transformative contributions to peace, governance, and strategic innovation at the highest levels of African leadership. Her journey—from national reformist to continental peace advocate—epitomizes the courage and clarity required to shape Africa’s future.
A seasoned policymaker and respected public servant, Mrs. Moges Bekele previously served as Ethiopia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics from 2018 to 2023, where she played a pivotal role in modernizing infrastructure, reforming logistics policy, and enhancing connectivity across the country. She also served as Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa, contributing to urban development and institutional reform in one of Africa’s fastest-growing capitals.
Since taking the helm at the Peace Fund Secretariat of the African Union, she has ushered in a new era of innovation and inclusivity. Mrs. Moges Bekele has spearheaded resource mobilization strategies that attracted contributions from major institutions such as Afreximbank, Ethiopian Airlines, Standard Bank, and the AU Staff Association. Her bold introduction of digital contribution platforms has opened the door for broader donor participation and enhanced financial transparency.
She also led the finalization of the Due Diligence and Compliance Policy, reinforcing governance structures and accountability within the Peace Fund. Her work underscores the African Union’s renewed commitment to conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and financial independence in addressing the continent’s most pressing security challenges.
A Woman at the Forefront of Strategic Governance
Mrs. Moges Bekele’s academic portfolio is as impressive as her public service career. She holds a BA in Public Administration and Development Management, an MA in Public Management and Policy from Addis Ababa University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Management at the University of South Africa. In 2023, she was listed among the 100 Most Reputable Africans, a testament to her growing continental and global influence.
A Night of Global Recognition
Diplomatic Prestige on the Global Stage
The event welcomed a distinguished delegation of Ambassadors, Diplomats, and Global Leaders from across the world. In attendance were H.E. Ignacio Higueras Hare, Ambassador of the Embassy of Peru in London; H.E. Mrs. Manorie Mallikaratchy, Acting High Commissioner of the Sri Lanka High Commission in London; H.E. Christiane Aquino Bonomo, Deputy Consul-General of the Brazil Embassy in London and Mr. Ivan Romero-Martinez, Ambassador of the Embassy of Honduras in London. Representing grassroots empowerment, Delyth Panneth, UK Country Coordinator for Days For Girls, joined as a key Resilient Voices Project Partner, championing dignity, health, and opportunity for girls everywhere.
Icons of Influence: Powerful Women Honoured and Present
The event was graced by some of the most influential women shaping policy, business, and social change. Among the distinguished special guests and honorees were: H.E. Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, The Spouse of the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, H.E. Dr. Ana Dias Lourenço, First Lady of the Republic of Angola, and H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia. Other trailblazers included Mrs. Solange Amichia, CEO of CEPICI (Côte d’Ivoire); Mrs. Dagmawit Moges Bekele, Director of the African Union Peace Fund; Ms. Yaa Amoako-Adu, Executive Director of Above Inspections Limited; Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, CEO of the Electricity Regulatory Authority in Uganda; Dr. Mandas Marikanda, CEO of Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank; Dr. Fatoumata M’Balou Sanogo, CEO of Petroci Holdings; Mrs. Roseanna Onyia, CEO of Clinique Research Development; Mrs. Flora Mutahi, CEO of Melvin Marsh International Limited; and Mrs. Michelle Kilpin, CEO of Tanzania Breweries Limited—alongside many other global powerhouses whose impact resonates beyond borders.
Redefining Leadership in Peace and Security
With her deep commitment to inclusive governance and long-term conflict resolution, Mrs. Moges Bekele’s recognition at the GPW Awards is not only a personal triumph but also a symbol of Africa’s rising leadership in global peace and security. Her work continues to highlight the power of female leadership in transforming systems, engaging communities, and driving continental development from within.
Transforming Real Estate and Redefining Leadership: Marième Ngom Bags the African Female Leadership Impact Award in London
London, United Kingdom – [April 2025] – At the prestigious Global Power Women Awards (GPW Awards) held in London, Ms. Marième Ngom, Managing Director of Sertem Property Management in Senegal, was celebrated with the African Female Leadership Impact Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership, groundbreaking influence in the real estate sector, and her passionate advocacy for gender equality.
The award reflects Ms. Ngom’s remarkable contributions to business innovation, sustainable development, and inclusive leadership across West Africa. As a key executive at Sertem Groupe, a trailblazing family business founded in 1998 in Senegal, Marième has not only elevated the company’s status as a market leader in construction and real estate but also catalyzed meaningful organizational transformation with far-reaching impact.
A graduate of Skema Business School in France, Ms. Ngom brings over 15 years of experience in business development, marketing, and strategic communication. Her professional journey has seen her navigate high-growth SMEs, contribute to multinational corporations like Total Energies, and ultimately take on senior roles at Sertem. She has held the roles of Sales and Marketing Director, General Director of the group’s real estate and property management subsidiaries, and currently serves as Deputy General Director.
A Beacon of Innovation and Corporate Excellence
Under Ms. Ngom’s visionary leadership, Sertem Groupe has not only expanded its market presence across Senegal and the broader sub-region but has also embraced innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable business practices. Her strategic foresight and operational leadership have redefined the company’s trajectory, contributing to job creation, urban development, and improved living standards across communities.
What sets Marième apart is her seamless fusion of entrepreneurial excellence with a strong sense of social purpose. A staunch advocate for gender parity in leadership, she leads Sertem’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, actively mentors young women professionals, and reinforces the company’s commitment to the United Nations Global Compact principles. Her inclusive leadership style has inspired a new generation of women to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
Family, Values, and Vision
Beyond the boardroom, Ms. Ngom is also a devoted wife and mother of two. Her personal and professional lives intertwine to reflect her belief in values-driven leadership, where empathy, resilience, and excellence coexist. She consistently champions female empowerment initiatives, promotes ethical leadership, and contributes to national conversations on business ethics, sustainability, and diversity.
A Landmark Moment in London
Diplomatic Prestige on the Global Stage
The event welcomed a distinguished delegation of Ambassadors, Diplomats, and Global Leaders from across the world. In attendance were H.E. Ignacio Higueras Hare, Ambassador of the Embassy of Peru in London; H.E. Mrs. Manorie Mallikaratchy, Acting High Commissioner of the Sri Lanka High Commission in London; H.E. Christiane Aquino Bonomo, Deputy Consul-General of the Brazil Embassy in London and Mr. Ivan Romero-Martinez, Ambassador of the Embassy of Honduras in London. Representing grassroots empowerment, Delyth Panneth, UK Country Coordinator for Days For Girls, joined as a key Resilient Voices Project Partner, championing dignity, health, and opportunity for girls everywhere.
Icons of Influence: Powerful Women Honoured and Present
The event was graced by some of the most influential women shaping policy, business, and social change. Among the distinguished special guests and honorees were: H.E. Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, The Spouse of the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, H.E. Dr. Ana Dias Lourenço, First Lady of the Republic of Angola, and H.E. Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia. Other trailblazers included Mrs. Solange Amichia, CEO of CEPICI (Côte d’Ivoire); Mrs. Dagmawit Moges Bekele, Director of the African Union Peace Fund; Ms. Yaa Amoako-Adu, Executive Director of Above Inspections Limited; Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, CEO of the Electricity Regulatory Authority in Uganda; Dr. Mandas Marikanda, CEO of Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank; Dr. Fatoumata M’Balou Sanogo, CEO of Petroci Holdings; Mrs. Roseanna Onyia, CEO of Clinique Research Development; Mrs. Flora Mutahi, CEO of Melvin Marsh International Limited; and Mrs. Michelle Kilpin, CEO of Tanzania Breweries Limited—alongside many other global powerhouses whose impact resonates beyond borders.
Paving the Way for Generations to Come
Ms. Marième Ngom’s recognition at the 2025 GPW Awards marks a pivotal milestone—not only in her own inspiring journey but in the larger narrative of African women leaders who are shaping the future of business, governance, and society. Through her bold leadership and inclusive vision, she continues to build bridges between growth and equity, between enterprise and empowerment.
From shattering ceilings to rewriting the rules, these women embody resilience, purpose, and fearless leadership.Unveiled in grand style at the Global Power Women Awards 2025 in London, and introduced by the gracious H.E. Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, Spouse of the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, this edition marked more than just a launch—it ignited a movement.
This is more than a magazine—it’s a legacy in print.
Want to be featured in an upcoming edition?
Network with distinguished guests, global dignitaries, and industry trailblazers in an intimate pre-event gathering.
Indulge in a fine dining experience, curated to match the elegance and prestige of the occasion.
🌍Opportunity to Meet VIP Guests and Explore Investment opportunities in their countries.
Please indicate your interest by filling the form below:
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
