By Judith Gicobi
On Thursday, Kenyan Anna Qabale Duba was named the inaugural recipient of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award.
Anna received a cash prize of $250,000 in Dubai after obtaining the renowned title on International Nurses Day, which is observed worldwide on May 12.
Duba, the creator of Kenya’s Qabale Duba Foundation, has been fighting harmful cultural practices against women like as early/forced marriage and female genital mutilation, as well as empowering women via peace-building initiatives, education, and lobbying for girl-child education.
Anna was the first woman in her village to earn an university degree, and she now runs a school that caters to both children and adults.
Anna was previously Miss Kenya Peace and Investment, a position she utilized to reach out to conflicting communities and advocate for peace. In 2020, she was named one of the Top 100 most influential young Africans.
During a magnificent ceremony at the Atlantis Hotel, Palm Jumeirah, Anna accepted the award from Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Dubai Airports, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airlines and Group, and chairman of Dubai World.
