The global award is for peacebuilders not for me as a person
Tobby Otum
There was a beehive of activity at Mombasa’s Moi international airport with the arrival of a global award winner in peacebuilding.
Mama Shamsa Abubakar Fadhili won the 2023 Zayad Award for Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation honouring the winners of the 4th Zayed Award.
Business at the busy airport came to a standstill as there was a celebration during the arrival and reception of the global award winner.
Shamsa who arrived on a Kenya Airways flight directly from Dubai landed at the coastal city airport at 11.20 am before being cleared.
The global winner got a warm reception with banners and placards displayed on her arrival at the international arrivals.
Speaking to journalists on her arrival Shamsa who is Mombasa Women of Faith Network founder member was overjoyed when she told journalists the award came to her as a surprise saying she did not know what she was doing at the grassroots that had an impact.
She told the media her award is a motivation for the women league which embraces peace both at home and publicly.
“This is for women who want their children to be better citizens,” she added.
The global award winner urged women not to despair in peace-building initiatives saying there is space outside for their efforts.
Mama Shamsa refuted claims her global award was a personal initiative saying it was for women peacebuilders.
She pointed out that her win is a win for women who try to earn a living for their families.
“The global award is for the youth who have despaired in life and I urge them not to despair,” she pointed out.
The Women of Faith Network founder member urged her counterparts to take charge of peacebuilding.
Shamsa said she would love to see youths not going astray and instead grow up and have a decent life and a healthy family.
“We want to see them move to the next generation with a better life,” she pointed out
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