The World Leadership Merit Award (WOLMA) says it is delighted to announce the approval of the nomination of Ms. Rose William Sarwatt, founder of the Tanzanian Widows Association (TAWIA) and the Union of African Widows, for the esteemed award.
”This recognition is a testament to her tireless efforts in empowering widows and vulnerable women in Tanzania and across Africa”.
WOLMA is a distinguished honour that acknowledges exceptional leaders who have made significant contributions to their communities and the world. Rose William Sarwatt’s nomination is a well-deserved recognition of her dedication to promoting the rights and welfare of widows.
The award ceremony will take place in New York, on 20th March 2025, as part of the activities commemorating the United Nations Women CSW69.
This global platform will provide an opportunity for Rose William Sarwatt’s remarkable work to be recognised and celebrated by a wider audience.
This is contained in a press statement signed by Charity Munyiri, the Award’s Administration, Executive/Secretary Award Committee and Faith M. Idris, the Award’s Deputy Director of Projects, Sponsorship, and Special Duties.
”We are thrilled to announce that the nomination of Rose William Sarwatt for this prestigious award has been approved by the central award committee.
“Her selfless dedication to empowering widows and vulnerable women is a shining example of leadership and commitment to creating positive change.”
Her professional engagements and achievements were evaluated before considering her nomination for approval.
Her advocacy and policy development were also considered including:
• The development of Tanzania’s National Widows Guidelines in collaboration with the Tanzanian Government.
• Her key role in drafting Tanzania’s Inheritance Law Reform alongside the KIKUHAMI Network under WiLDAF.
• She led the initiative for the official recognition of widows in Tanzania, which resulted in the establishment of the Widows’ Affairs Department under the Ministry of Community Development and the appointment of a National Widows Coordinator.
• Co-founder of The African Widows Summit, a platform advocating for widows’ rights across Africa.
• Founder of multiple Widows’ Empowerment Platforms in Tanzania and initiator of World Widows Day Commemoration in Tanzania.
She is a member of the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition
• Member of MKUKI (Anti-Gender-Based Violence Network)
• Member of the Tanzania Child Rights Network
• Member of the Tanzania Women’s Rights Network
Her Publications and Inspirational Works include:
• Author of Ujane ni Shule (“Widowhood is a School”) and other works focusing on widowhood, empowerment, and resilience.
She is an inspirational speaker addressing widows’ welfare, personal growth, and children’s rights.
She is a trainer and mentor for widows through radio, TV programs, conferences, and seminars, providing guidance on emotional healing, legal rights, and economic empowerment.
She is also a columnist and writer on widows’ rights, legal and cultural liberation, and the fight against widow discrimination and violence.
Awards & Recognitions
• MKUKI Award for outstanding efforts in combating gender-based violence (under WiLDAF).
• Champion Award for advocacy against the abuse and marginalization of widows in Tanzania.
Personal Mission
As a widow myself, I understand the challenges that many women face after losing a spouse. My life’s mission is to restore dignity, justice, and opportunity for widows, ensuring they are seen, heard, and supported at all levels of society. Through my work, I strive to break cultural and systemic barriers that have long oppressed widows, offering them a new path toward self-sufficiency and empowerment.
