On the evening of March 06, 2025, Hotel Africana in Kampala, Uganda, became the epicenter of a powerful movement as the Empower Her Awards unfolded in grand style. As of 08:50 PM EAT, the event is in full swing, drawing a diverse crowd of leaders, advocates, and media to celebrate organizations and individuals driving transformative change for women. Under the theme “Leading with Purpose: Women Driving Change for a Balanced Future,” this gathering is a vibrant recognition of the resilience and innovation of those working to uplift women across Uganda and beyond. This comes ahead of International Womens Day 2025 which happens every 8th March.
What Are the Empower Her Awards?
The Empower Her Awards are an annual initiative designed to recognize and honor organizations that champion gender equality and women’s empowerment through impactful programs and policies. Launched to spotlight entities making a measurable difference, the awards highlight efforts in areas like economic empowerment, education, health, and leadership development. Held at notable venues like Hotel Africana, the event brings together a mix of civil society groups, businesses, and media partners to celebrate progress and inspire further action. With a focus on tangible outcomes, the awards serve as both a tribute to past achievements and a rallying cry for a more equitable future.
What happened at the Empower Her Awards 2025?
As reported by major Ugandan media outlets including NTV Uganda, Daily Monitor, 93.3 KFM, and Spark TV Uganda, the Empower Her Awards are shining a light on “amazing organizations supporting women and making a real impact.” These synchronized updates, posted at 6:39 PM EAT, reflect a unified effort to amplify the event’s message. The Eastern Africa Sub-regional Support Initiative (EASSI) also joined the conversation, noting that the evening includes “engaging discussions & opportunities” for a diverse group of women leaders and experts. This suggests a dynamic program—likely featuring panel discussions, keynote addresses, and networking sessions—aimed at fostering collaboration and sparking new ideas.
Susan Nsibirwa, Managing Director of Nation Media Group-Uganda, a key figure in Uganda’s media landscape and a vocal advocate for women’s advancement, likely set the tone for the night. Reflecting on her own journey, she has previously urged women leaders to mentor others, saying in a past event, “Let us open doors for other women by showing them the way.” While no direct quote from tonight’s ceremony is yet available, her presence at such gatherings often underscores the importance of lifting others—a sentiment that resonates deeply with the Empower Her mission. A notable moment was a podium moment where Brian Mulondo hosted Susan Nsibirwa for a keynote interview.
Which parties qualified for awards at the Empower Her Awards 2025?
Though specific award recipients remain under wraps as the event progresses, the focus is clearly on organizations with proven track records. EASSI’s involvement hints at participation from regional gender-focused groups, while the media-heavy coverage suggests possible sponsorship or partnership from outlets like Nation Media Group. The event’s timing, just days before International Women’s Day on March 8, ties it to a global wave of recognition for women’s contributions. Could we see honorees from sectors like healthcare, education, or entrepreneurship? Past events, like the 2024 Empower Her Awards, recognized groups such as the Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD)—a precedent that hints at the caliber of tonight’s winners.
What is the purpose of Empower Her Awards 2025?
The theme “Leading with Purpose: Women Driving Change for a Balanced Future” speaks to a broader vision. It’s about more than awards—it’s about actionable progress. Discussions tonight are likely tackling big questions: How can women’s economic empowerment reshape communities? What role do businesses play in fostering gender equity? The emphasis on “balance” suggests a nod to sustainability and inclusion, topics that resonate in Uganda’s development landscape. For smallholder farmers, entrepreneurs, or young professionals, the ripple effects of these efforts could mean new opportunities and stronger support systems.
The Business of Empowerment
A significant thread running through the Empower Her Awards is economic empowerment. Organizations being celebrated might include those offering microfinance, skills training, or workplace policies that uplift women. Hotel Africana, a venue synonymous with high-profile business events, reinforces this focus. The “real impact” touted in media posts could translate to jobs created, incomes boosted, or communities transformed—outcomes that matter in a country where women often bear the brunt of economic challenges. As the night unfolds, stories of innovation and resilience are sure to emerge, painting a picture of empowerment in action.
Why This Matters Now
At 08:11 PM EAT, the Empower Her Awards are more than a ceremony—they’re a beacon of hope and momentum. With Uganda’s vibrant media amplifying the event, the message is clear: women’s leadership is vital to a balanced future. As Susan Nsibirwa has emphasized in other contexts, it’s about building a legacy of support and opportunity. For attendees and those following online, this night is a chance to witness history in the making—a celebration of today’s changemakers and a blueprint for tomorrow’s progress.
What’s Next?
As the evening continues, expect more updates on X and beyond, revealing the winners and standout moments. Will a grassroots organization steal the spotlight? Will a surprise speech ignite the room? Whatever happens, the Empower Her Awards 2025 are already cementing their place as a pivotal moment in Uganda’s journey toward gender equality. Stay tuned—this story is still unfolding.
