Executive Director Oxfam International and former Mbarara Municipality MP Winnie Byanyima is being awarded an honorary degree by the University of Manchester in the UK, as part of its Foundation Day celebrations on Wednesday 19 October.
Byanyima obtained her Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering at the same university, to become the first female Ugandan aeronautical engineer.
At the event, the formerly vocal Ugandan politician will also be giving a Foundation Lecture entitled ‘Advancing Women’s Rights in an Unequal World: A personal perspective’, in which she’ll outline some of the experiences of her unique career in politics and international development.
According to a statement released by the university, Mrs Byanyima will also receive an honorary doctorate alongside Lord David Alliance, Professor Dame Sue Bailey, Mr Anil Ruia and Sir Norman Stoller as the University celebrates the anniversary of the bringing together of the Victoria University of Manchester and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in 2004, to form The University of Manchester.
Byanyima is being recognized for among others helping broker and support women’s participation in political transitions in Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Africa, Burundi, Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya and other countries emerging from conflict.
The Oxfam boss was recently at her old university, to launch its Global Development Institute, Europe’s largest research and teaching institute dedicated to international development.
Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “I am delighted that at this year’s Foundation Day celebrations we are welcoming back an alumna, Ms Winnie Byanyima, to deliver our most prestigious lecture and to award her an honorary doctorate.
“Winnie’s drive to promote the roles of women and work to address global inequalities fully align with the University’s own activities.
“It is also an honour to be able to recognise the great contributions to society made by Lord David Alliance, Professor Dame Sue Bailey, Mr Anil Ruia and Sir Norman Stoller with the conferment of their honorary doctorates.”