EGPAF-Tanzania Wins an Award for Advancing Gender Balance in the Workplace
On March 8, 2021, I had the honor of helping to accept a Woman of the Future award on behalf of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) at the Citizen Rising Woman Award ceremony in Dar Es Salaam. Sponsored by the Citizen Tanzania media outlet, the ceremony was held on International Women’s Day to “bring together various stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of women in Tanzania and around the globe.”
As EGPAF-Tanzania’s country communication and advocacy officer, I was not only at the event to help represent EGPAF; I was also there to cover it. And I had had a role in getting us there.
Months earlier, my husband had seen an advertisement in the Citizen Tanzania for this upcoming International Women’s Day event. Knowing about the commitment of our organization to women and to diversity, I took the advertisement to our Human Resource Manager, Greyson Mapunda. He thought that we had a good chance to win, so I filled out the application.
Fifty percent of EGPAF-Tanzania’s management are women, led by Country Director Sajida Kimambo M.D. Additionally, EGPAF promotes diversity in the workplace; fosters a supportive and inclusive culture for all employees; and encourages respect, dignity, and openness to varied cultures. Diversity in the workplace enriches our work and enhances our impact and effectiveness. Differences in knowledge, approach, and perspective are a source of innovation and learning.
Fast-forward to the event: I waited, camera in hand, to hear the winners announced. First came the Rising Woman award, which went to AAR Insurance, a company with women filling 86 percent of management positions; Empress Furniture Ltd, the staff of which is 80 percent women; and Empower, a Tanzanian organization with more than 70 percent of management positions filled by women.
Diversity in the workplace enriches our work and enhances our impact and effectiveness. Differences in knowledge, approach, and perspective are a source of innovation and learning. Nuru Ngailo
The second award, Woman of the Future, recognizes “unique and impactful organizational initiatives … that advance gender balance in the workplace.”
I stood up to get a good angle for a photo. Despite many photographers blocking my way, I managed to find my spot. When the emcee listed the organizations and companies competing for the award, I did not hear EGPAF mentioned. I thought to myself, why didn’t we make it? With so many strong women in leadership positions, I had thought we would definitely win.
I went back to my seat, ready to pack my things to go home, but Greyson remained hopeful. He asked why I was packing my bags instead of waiting to take a photo of him receiving the award.
“We are doing great. I am sure we will win the second category,” he said.
The emcee announced the first award for the first category for KCB Bank for 2Jiajir, a woman empowerment program.
Just when I was about to pick up my bag, the emcee said, “Now the second winner for this category is an organization that has a diversity policy that promotes gender balance at the organization.”
I looked at Greyson, and we both smiled. “That’s us!” we said at the same time.
I immediately took my camera as the emcee provided more details. When I got to my spot, I heard the words, “The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.” I couldn’t hold the excitement!
“Yaaaaaaaaaaay!” I shouted. The people around me turned to watch me cheer. And of course, there was Greyson, walking like a champ to the stage to receive our trophy.
I was so excited that I forgot all about taking a good photo. But we got the trophy, and I could not wait to have my photo taken with it. I felt proud of my organization, and it is amazing to work to promote gender equality with strong policies, systems, and structures that allow women leaders to flourish.
It is amazing to work to promote gender equality with strong policies, systems, and structures that allow women leaders to flourish. Nuru Ngailo
Holding that trophy in my hands felt so rewarding, especially when others came out to see the trophy winners and ask us more about our organization. My personal highlight was when Hon. Abdallah Ulega, who represents the Mkuranga District in Parliament, told us that we were doing a great job and to keep it up.
I couldn’t have asked for a better International Women’s Day. EGPAF-Tanzania is honored to be given this award by the Citizen Tanzania. We dedicate this award to Elizabeth Glaser, our founder and a leader for the fight to end AIDS in children, youth, and families. When I think about women who changed the world, Elizabeth Glaser sets an example for all of us.
Nuru Ngailo
Tanzania
Community Mobilization
