Unga81 Powerlist Honours Celebrates Women Leaders from Africa and Around the World

NEW YORK — September 30, 2026 — The Justina Mutale Foundation brought together an influential gathering of women leaders from Africa, Latin America and beyond during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York.

Held on September 24, 2026, the UNGA81 Powerlist Honours Reception provided a platform to recognize distinguished women whose leadership, public service, professional achievements and contributions have influenced communities, institutions and nations.

The reception brought together former Heads of State, First Ladies, ministers, diplomats, royalty, entrepreneurs and other prominent women leaders representing different generations and sectors.

The event was held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius and Chairperson and Patron of the Powerlist. The Powerlist initiative is associated with the Justina Mutale Foundation, the Art of Iconic Leadership and the World Summit on Women and Girls.

A Celebration of Women’s Leadership

At the heart of the reception was a message of visibility, mentorship and intergenerational leadership.

The occasion reflected themes explored in Dr. Justina Mutale’s book, The Art of Iconic Female Leadership, emphasizing that leadership extends beyond personal achievement to include responsibility, visibility and creating opportunities for future generations.

One of the central messages of the gathering was:

“You cannot be what you cannot see.”

The message highlighted the importance of ensuring that young women and girls have opportunities to see women occupying influential positions across government, diplomacy, business, science, technology, the arts and social impact.

“When we bring women leaders together across generations, countries and sectors, we create a living demonstration of possibility,” Dr. Mutale said, emphasizing the importance of access to visible examples of female leadership.

Distinguished Global Representation

Among the women associated with the UNGA81 Powerlist Honours were several prominent African and international leaders, including:

• H.E. María Fernanda Espinosa — former President of the United Nations General Assembly and former Foreign Minister of Ecuador.
• H.E. Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim — former President of Mauritius.
• H.E. Dr. Joyce Hilda Banda — former President of Malawi.
• H.E. Rosalía Arteaga Serrano — former President of Ecuador.
• H.E. Fatoumata Jallow Tambajang — former Vice President of The Gambia.
• H.E. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio — First Lady of Sierra Leone.
• H.E. Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum.
• The Hon. Paula Ingabire — Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation.
• The Hon. Khaite Sall — Minister of Health and Public Hygiene of Guinea.
• H.R.H. Rev. Dr. Princess Asie Kabuki Ocansey of Ghana.

Recent reporting confirms that Princess Ocansey was recognized among the Top 100 Iconic Female World Leaders and formally honored during the September 24 reception.

Building Visibility for the Next Generation

Beyond the recognition of individual accomplishments, the reception focused on the broader role women leaders can play in creating pathways for those coming behind them.

The gathering created an opportunity for women from different countries, professions and generations to exchange experiences, strengthen relationships and discuss the continuing importance of women’s participation in leadership and global affairs.

The event also underscored the value of mentorship and representation. When young women can see accomplished women leading governments, organizations, businesses and international initiatives, those examples can help expand their understanding of what is possible.

The message was particularly significant during UNGA81, when New York became a meeting point for leaders, diplomats, policymakers, advocates and organizations from around the world. Dr. Mutale had also promoted the Women’s House at UNGA81, a platform designed to bring women leaders, organizations, businesses, advocates and changemakers together for dialogue, networking and collaboration.

More Than an Evening of Recognition

The UNGA81 Powerlist Honours Reception represented more than a ceremonial gathering. It provided a space for accomplished women to connect across borders and generations while highlighting the importance of leadership that creates opportunities for others.

The underlying message was clear: achievement carries a responsibility to inspire, mentor and open doors for the next generation.

Through its work, the Justina Mutale Foundation continues to promote women’s leadership, visibility, mentorship and opportunities for women and girls.

As women leaders gathered in New York during UNGA81, the Powerlist Honours served as both a celebration of achievement and a reminder of the importance of representation — ensuring that the next generation can see examples of leadership and recognize that their own voices, ambitions and contributions have a place on the global stage.

Channel A TV — New York

For media enquiries: Justina Mutale Foundation — management@justinamutale.com

Moses Walubita
Press & Communications Officer
Justina Mutale Foundation
Email: management@justinamutale.com
Tel: +260 97 174 5359