In a ceremony marking International Women’s Day, Albert Maloba received the HE For SHE of the Year 2026/2027 award at the Jamhuri Leadership Awards, a recognition he accepted with humility and a pledge to advance the rights and empowerment of women and girls.
While addressing the audience, Mr. Maloba highlighted the HeForShe movement’s emphasis on male participation in leadership and mentorship as essential to achieving lasting social change. Below was the full statement by the former Moi University president:
“I am deeply honoured to receive the HE For SHE of the Year 2026/2027 Award at the Jamhuri Leadership Awards. I accept this recognition with humility and with a renewed commitment to advancing the cause of gender equality.
As we commemorate International Women’s Day under the global theme Give to Gain ,this moment reminds us that the pursuit of equality demands intentional leadership, courageous partnerships, and a collective commitment from both women and men.
This recognition resonates strongly with the vision set out in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which remains one of the most transformative global commitments toward advancing the rights and empowerment of women and girls. More than three decades later, the world is still called upon to act with urgency. According to UN Women, nearly one in three women globally experiences physical or sexual violence in her lifetime, a reality that compels societies to cultivate stronger allies and champions for change.
The HeForShe vision championed by UN Women recognizes that gender equality cannot be achieved without the active participation and leadership of men. This award therefore symbolizes a broader responsibility for men to stand as advocates, mentors, and defenders of dignity and opportunity for women and girls.
I dedicate this honour to men who choose courage over silence and to the many women who continue to mentor and guide young men into responsible and compassionate leadership.
To the young men in our villages, remember that true strength is measured by respect, responsibility, and care for your sisters and your community.
As I shared in my remarks …
“When a man chooses to stand for the dignity of women, he does not diminish his strength. He elevates the future of his community and the humanity of his nation.”
My sincere appreciation to the Jamhuri Leadership Awards for this recognition. May this moment inspire more men to rise as champions of equality and accelerate the realization of a just and inclusive society.”
#InternationalWomensDay #AccelerateAction #HeForShe #GenderEquality
