After receiving the award, H.E. Fatoumata Jahumpa Ceesay said: “I am overwhelmed and delighted to have yet been honored with another prestigious award this time by LEADING WOMEN OF AFRICA GROUP (LWAG) here in South Africa, and coming out first position as ‘THE FUTURE IS FEMALE MALE CHAMPIONS AWARDS’ in the public sector category, and ‘THE FUTURE IS FEMALE MOST GENDER FOCUSED HEAD OF MISSION’ (1st Place), which was highly competitive.”
She stated further: “When women are empowered to lead, everyone benefits, and studies show women leaders help increase productivity, enhance collaboration, inspire organisational dedication, and improve fairness. And I sincerely say that if the goals and priority areas of the AU Agenda 2063 are to be achieved, the African woman must be the partnership for the challenges to the road to realising Agenda 2063 and the AFRICA WE WANT. So, time is up and we can DO IT Women of Africa!”
She also dedicated the award to the Gambian President and women in diplomacy, saying: “Standing before this distinguished gathering tonight, I am truly thankful, and humbly dedicate this prestigious award to His Excellency Adama Barrow President of the Republic of The Gambia, and to all Gambian women in Diplomacy."
She as well thanked the organisers of the awards, saying: “Thank you very much Mrs Madeleine Mkunu, President of Leading Women of Africa (LWA), board members, distinguished judges, and the Media.”
The distinguished and prestigious Awards is designed to create awareness and showcase the role of male and female leaders and agents on the continent.