FAWE Africa celebrates the doctorate award to the Executive Director Dr. Martha Muhwezi, who has devotedly served the organisation for over 15 years. Dr. Martha earned her PhD in African Women Studies from the University of Nairobi. Her choice of specialisation not a surprise, as she is renowned for her passion for girls’ quality education and gender equality in Education for African girls. This academic achievement reinforces her expertise in education policy and gender advocacy, strengthening her role as a leading voice in shaping policies that support girls’ education across Africa. This remarkable milestone is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and passion for advancing gender equality and education.

At a time when progress toward gender equality in education is facing setbacks, FAWE is confident that with a team leader of distinction and excellence, her academic accolade will grow FAWE’s body of research that informs education policies across the continent. Her voice is recognized in major forums, including the African Union and global education summits, where she continues to push for transformative policies that ensure girls have equal access to quality education. She has been recognised and awarded by various institutions including named among top 10 finalist for the Africa Education Medal 2023 by T4 Education and HP in collaboration with Microsoft. The Africa Education Medal is Africa’s most prestigious education accolade.

Dr. Martha continues to be at the forefront of efforts to address gender disparities in education. She has fearlessly advocated for gender responsive education policies in Africa through high level advocacy with governments, development partners, and civil society organizations to advocate for policies that keep girls in school, including the re-entry of teenage mothers, addressing school-related gender-based violence, and increasing access to STEM for girls.

Her doctoral research specifically delved on gender perspectives in Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET); a deeper analytical foundation for tackling challenges faces by young when yet the world speaks to skills acquisition in the science world. The field examines the intersection of social structures, power dynamics, and systemic inequalities—key issues that directly influence education policies. With this expertise, Dr. Martha Muhwezi is positioned to drive more evidence-based and gender-responsive policy recommendations that align with Africa’s broader education and development goals.

Dr. Martha Muhwezi’s latest academic achievement is not just a personal triumph—it is an investment in the future of education policy in Africa. By combining her extensive field experience with advanced research, she is set to deepen FAWE’s impact, drive stronger policy implementation, and further elevate the conversation on gender equality in education. She is an inspiration to girls in Africa whom FAWE champions for their education rights.

“We are told to let our light shine and if it does, we won’t need to tell anybody it does”

Dwight L. Moody

 

Keep shining Dr. Martha, FAWE is proud of you.