ActionAid Uganda women's rights activists recognised

On the occasion of International Women's Day Celebration, March 8, 2012, held in Nebbi Uganda, two of ActionAid Uganda’s very own women activists were awarded the highest honor accorded to civilians in the country. At the event, the illustrious Crested Crane Medal was awarded to Mrs. Angela Anyolitho, ActionAid Uganda’s Women Won’t Wait (WWW) Coalition Chair in Nebbi district as well as ActionAid International Board Chair, Hon. Irene Ovonji-Odida.

This award is the highest honor given by the Republic of Uganda to civilians who have made significant contributions to the Republic.

The news release from Uganda’s Press Unit reads:

Seventy four women were awarded various medals at the celebration to mark the International Women's day in Nebbi district on March 8th 2012. The medals awarded include the Crested Crane Medal, which was awarded to 6 women, and the Nalubale medal given to 43 women and the Luwero Triangle award given to 40 others.

As long-time serving Chair of the WWW Coalition which among others oversees the work of ActionAid Uganda’s Women’s Reception Centre in Nebbi district, Angela Anyolitho was awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor Award for her work as District Woman Chairperson for ten years. She was recognized for her tireless activism in the fight against domestic violence and her key role as a campaigner against HIV/AIDS and for promoting safe motherhood in the district. Her work as an advocate for gender based budgeting at the lower local government level was also celebrated.

I became a women’s rights activist because I wanted to open the eyes of my fellow women”

Said Mrs Anyolitho after the ceremony:

I’m honored to have gotten this award among so many women with PHDs. It’s probably because I was able to talk to so many women across many villages and teach them about their rights.

Those also awarded included Hon. Irene Ovonji Odida, current ActionAid International Board Chair – who was honored for her outstanding activism and commitment to the fight to end violence against women in Uganda.  She was commended for being one of the key founders of the Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA-U) in the nineties, as well as spearheading the fight for women’s rights both at home and across the region. Hon. Ovonji-Odida was unable to attend the event as she was out of the country at the time.  

On behalf of ActionAid we are proud to congratulate both Hon. Irene Ovonji Odida and Mrs Angela Anyolitho.