New York, USA— Her Excellency Arya Devi Ali, First Lady of Guyana, was honoured with the prestigious Global Female Impact Leadership (GFIL) Award at the Global Power Women Yearbook (GPWY) 2024 event, held on September 25, 2024, at the Graduate Centre, City University of New York (CUNY). Mrs. Ali was celebrated for her groundbreaking efforts in advancing the rights of women, children, and persons with disabilities. Additionally, she delivered a powerful speech as a featured guest speaker, reaffirming her commitment to social change.
Centered around the theme “Advancing the Transformative Power of Technology through Women’s Lens: Shaping the Future of Business and Governance,” the event, organised by the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD) and Amazons Watch Magazine (AWM), gathered prominent female leaders from across the globe to honor their achievements and explore the critical role of women in driving technological innovation and influencing the future of both business and governance.
Arya Devi Ali became the youngest First Lady in Guyana’s history when her husband, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, became the ninth Executive President of Guyana on August 2, 2020. Her path to this prominent role has been marked by dedication to education, public service, and advocacy.
Before becoming First Lady, Mrs. Ali worked at the Guyana Revenue Authority, where her experience in public service deepened her passion for helping others and laid the foundation for her future initiatives as a national leader.
Transformative Initiatives
Since assuming her role as First Lady, Arya Devi Ali has launched several impactful initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women, children, and marginalised communities in Guyana. One of her flagship projects, the Menstrual Hygiene Initiative, provides free sanitary products to over 32,000 school-aged girls annually. This program addresses period poverty, ensuring that no girl misses school due to a lack of sanitary products.
Another notable initiative is the National Beautification Project, which focusses on creating recreational spaces and promoting environmental conservation in urban and rural areas. This initiative aligns with her broader mission to foster clean, green, and healthy communities in Guyana.
Mrs. Ali’s InclusAbility Program is designed to integrate persons with disabilities into society more effectively. The initiative offers counselling, employment opportunities, and financial support to help individuals with disabilities achieve independence and dignity. Through this program, Mrs. Ali is working to eliminate societal barriers and create a more inclusive Guyana.
Her Adopt-an-Orphanage Initiative connects corporate sponsors with underfunded orphanages across Guyana, providing essential support to nearly 300 disadvantaged children each year. By partnering orphanages with businesses, Mrs. Ali ensures that vulnerable children receive the resources and care they need to thrive.
Advocacy and Awards
Arya Devi Ali’s dedication to women’s empowerment and children’s rights has earned her numerous accolades. As a tireless advocate for gender equality, she has significantly improved opportunities for women and girls in underserved communities. In addition to her role as First Lady, Mrs. Ali is the patron of several non-governmental organisations (NGOs), where she continues to champion causes close to her heart.
Global Female Impact Leadership Award
The Global Female Impact Leadership (GFIL) Award honours women leaders who have made significant contributions to their communities through visionary leadership and advocacy. Mrs. Ali’s dedication to ending period poverty, uplifting vulnerable communities, and promoting inclusivity for persons with disabilities made her a deserving recipient of this prestigious honour.
At GPWY 2024, Arya Devi Ali joined other prominent female leaders and honourees, including H.E. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda; Dr. Filomena Gonçalves, Minister of Health, Cape Verde; First Ladies H.E. Rossana Maria Briceño of Belize, H.E. Leticia Ocampos of Paraguay, Dr. Isaura Nyusi of Mozambique, and H.E. Dinisia Dos Reis Embaló of Guinea Bissau; Mansa Nettey, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, Ghana; Olive Birungi Lumonya, Deputy Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority; Abby Huang, Founder/CEO of Dime Inc.; and Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President/CEO of Women’s World Banking. Together, these women shared their visions for a more equitable and inclusive future.
About the Global Power Women (GPW) Yearbook
The Global Power Women (GPW) Yearbook is an exclusive and timeless compilation of highly inspirational success stories, achievements, innovations, and impact generated by the world’s top Power Women. This extraordinary book transcends time, showcasing the remarkable tales of triumph, innovation, and influence woven by the world’s most influential women. It immerses readers in a powerful captivating narrative, illustrating the profound impact of women’s leadership resonating across diverse sectors and global landscapes.
About the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD)
CELD is a global institution dedicated to empowering women and promoting leadership development. It advocates for gender equality and sustainable development, uplifting women leaders worldwide.
About Amazons Watch Magazine (AWM)
AWM is a leading platform celebrating women's achievements globally. Through inspirational stories, AWM champions gender equality and advocates for the empowerment of women across various sectors.
For more information about GPWY 2024:
Phone: +44 7471066570
Email: alo_ed@africanleadership.co.uk, info@celd.org.uk
