Mabudafhasi awarded for role in environmental issues

The Celebration of Women's Leadership in Sustainable Development, hosted by the Global Gender and Climate Alliance (GGCA), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Women's Environment and Development Organizations (WEDO), aims to capture the spirit and momentum of women's and gender champions' efforts toward equality and sustainability over the last ten years.

Speaking at the award ceremony, an ecstatic Mabudafhasi, who is also a founder and co-chair of the Global Network of Women Ministers and Leaders for the Environment, said: "I feel very humbled by this honour. I dedicate this award to the women of the globe, especially those in rural areas, those who could not go to school because they had to fetch water and collect wood from far, those children who cannot do their homework because they have to assist their parents fetching water.

"I dedicate this award to all of us who need to do more in order to eradicate poverty and hunger."

She also acknowledged the organisers of the ceremony and the South African government for the support in all endeavours towards the emancipation of women and preservation of the environment.