Cross River Born Favour Abatang has been decorated as one of Africa’s Girl Child Education Champion.
Abatang was decorated alongside Kenya’s first lady, Rachel Ruto, at the 4th Edition of the Africa Women Summit, 2023, held at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town, South Africa.
She was recognised for using her nonprofit organisation, Campus Babe Initiative in curbing the menace of Teenage Pregnancy in Africa, as well as giving teenage mums second chance education and creating opportunities for them to thrive.
This year’s event was Themed; ‘Women Driving Impact for Sustainable Development in Africa’, and was critical on issues that affect young women who are driving sustainable development in Africa and explored strategies on how women across the region can form a powerful allyship to tackle these issues head-on.
The summit also brought together remarkable women from Africa and across the world who are breaking the glass ceiling and making significant difference in their respective communities.
A statement from the organisers reads: “On behalf of Coalition of Women for Peace And Development in Africa, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for your outstanding contribution to empowering women and girls in Africa. Your unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have helped make a difference in the lifes of many, and we are grateful for your dedication and passion.
“Your work in this area has been truly inspiring and we recognise the immense impact it has had in the lifes of women and girls in Africa. Your contribution to the advancement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls is invaluable, and it has not gone unnoticed.
“As a token of our appreciation, we are pleased to present you with this award. It is a small but heartfelt gesture that represents our gratitude for your efforts and your contribution to empowering women and girls in Africa. We hope that you will continue to be a beacon of hope and a role model for many others, and we look forward to working with you in the future.
“Once again, thank you for your outstanding contribution in empowering women and girls in Africa, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.”
An elated Abatang wrote: “I am deeply honored to have received the Africa Women Changemaker/Impact Award in the Girl Child Education Champion category.
“This prestigious award was presented to me by the esteemed Minister of Defence of the Maldives, Mariya Didi, at the 4th Edition of the Africa Women Summit, 2023, held at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town, South Africa.
“As I take a look at the remarkable nominees for this award, I am humbled to stand among these extraordinary women who have left an indelible mark in empowering women and girls across Africa. I must particularly acknowledge the Wife of the President of Kenya, Mama Rachel Ruto for her exceptional work that was also nominated in this category.
“This award serves as a resounding call to continue empowering women and girls throughout Africa. It reminds me of our collective mission to bridge the gap of out-of-school girls on our continent, particularly by reducing the number of girls who drop out due to teenage pregnancy. We must also create more opportunities to empower teenage mothers through second-chance education.
“I am eternally grateful to God, the giver of life and the source of my inspiration.
“I extend my gratitude to all the individuals upon whose shoulders I have risen and continue to rise — my father, mother, mentors, and role models.
“To the tireless team members and executives at Campus Babe Initiative who share the vision of supporting teen mothers and girls on campus, you are the true MVPs. Your unwavering support has made a tremendous difference.
“To teen mums and girls on Campus across there Africa, I hope our work will keep on inspiring you to be better people.
“To my supporters and well-wishers, I express my heartfelt appreciation for your constant cheers and encouragement.
“A special appreciation to the Coalition of Women in Africa for Peace and Development (COWAP) and the organizers of the African Women Summit for this platform and for all their contributions to our success.”
