The International Alliance for Women (TIAW), organized by the Canadian Women in Communications, has recognized Prof. Maggie Kigozi as one of the women in the world, whose efforts and inspiration have truly made a "World of Difference" in supporting the advancement of Women.

At the TIAW Annual Global Partnership Forum in 2007, TIAW announced that it was creating a new awards programme to honour women who have made an impact on the economic empowerment of women through a wide range of endeavours.  These awards recognize women from around the world whose courage, tenacity, intelligence and dedication have made a world of difference to the economic empowerment of women. It was decided that each year, TIAW would honour up to 100 award recipients.

In 2009, TIAW named over 50 exceptional women from 15 different countries to the 2009 World of Difference 100 list. From the East African region, Prof. Kigozi, Ms. Julian Omalla, both from Uganda and Ms. Victoria Kisyombe from Tanzania were named for these awards.  

Prof. Maggie Kigozi received the award under the Category, Public Service/Government for her tireless efforts in the advancement and economic empowerment of Women in Uganda and other parts of the Africa. Prof. Maggie is particularly recognized for furthering women’s rights and advocating for women friendly banking products to enable women access financing for business loans.

Also from Uganda, Mrs. Julian Omalla, Proprietor of Delight Ltd, one of Uganda’s largest juice processing factory has received an award in the Corporate/Entrepreneurial category. Julian Omalla is recognized for her initiatives in coordinating women farmer’s cooperatives that provide food aid to Sudan and for her efforts as part of the Uganda Gender and Growth Coalition, a group advocating for improvements in business regulation and women’s participation in the business sector.

Ms. Victoria Kisyombe from Tanzania has been recognized for innovation, initiative and determination to empower women in Tanzania to become economically self-sufficient, focusing especially on women who are heading families after being widowed by HIV/AIDS.  

Click here for extracts from the TIAW 2009 Booklet on the Award category for each of the ladies.