The DREAM UP, SPEAK UP, STAND UP AWARD FOR EDUCATION (DUSUSU) foundation, founded by the 13th most influential African, Zuriel Oduwole has nominated Nana Oye Lithur, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection for the 2015 DUSUSU Award on African Education Or Excellence.

This is in recognition of her immeasurable contribution towards gender equality and the education of the girl child in Ghana. The DUSUSU Project awards, recognize individuals who have shown a strong support for the education of children in Africa. 12 year old Zuriel, who is said to be the youngest movie maker in the world, has interviewed 14 presidents and Heads of State, including former Presidents Rawlings and Kufuor of Ghana.

Zuriel says she is, through her foundation, making the case for Girls Education. She has spoken to more than 20,000 Girls/Children in 7 countries, including Tanzania, Malawi, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Mauritius and the UK about the need to stay in school, get a sound education, and not get married young.

Hon. Nana Oye Lithur, is a lawyer by profession has distinguished herself as a human rights lawyer, and an advocate for gender equality. She was selected for this award through a competitive process. Three nominees were shortlisted for this year’s award out of which the Hon. Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Nana Oye Lithur was selected as winner.

They were:

East Africa - Sophia Simba [Tanzania]

Central Africa - Genevieve Inagosie Kasongo [DRC]

West Africa - Nana Oye Lithur [Ghana]

Nana Oye has won many international and national awards. In 2013, she was pronounced the 4th African Woman Achiever among 25 other African female presidents, politicians and Nobel Peace laureates. She has served on various international boards, committees and commissions including International Consortium on Medical Abortion, African Consortium on Medical Abortion and Global Consortium on Realizing Rights.

She has established the NOYEL Foundation, a personal initiative aimed at encouraging young girls to aspire for greater heights by becoming leaders in the Ghanaian society and the world at large. Under her leadership, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has formulated the Child and Family Welfare policy which aims at promoting the welfare of the Ghanaian child.

Hon. Nana Oye Lithur, through her Ministry, has set the stage to protect and promote children’s education as they grow to become useful citizens.

The presentation of the award comes off on Tuesday, 24th March, in Accra.

Abraham Asare

Communications Advisor