R4D Board Member Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Named by Devex as One of 5 Women Who Are Changing the World

April 14, 2016

Washington, D.C. — April 14, 2016 — Devex has announced its 2016 Power with Purpose list – five women who are changing the world – and it includes Results for Development board member Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, who joined the Results for Development board in 2014, is being recognized for her efforts to fight corruption and poverty as Nigeria’s finance minister and her current role as chair-elect of the board of Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, where she’s fighting to save children’s lives around the world by promoting access to vaccines.

“It’s no surprise to me that Ngozi was selected by Devex. She has been an outstanding force for changing the world for the better,” said Results for Development President David de Ferranti. “In addition to her important contributions in her own country, she has been a powerful and effective voice for improving development aid and a galvanizing example and advocate for women everywhere.”

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala and the other awardees – Christiana Figueres, Eleni Gabre-Madhin, Fayeeza Naqvi and Kristalina Georgieva – were honored by Devex in London on April 12. It’s an impressive line-up and one we’re sure to hear more about in the months to come.
In the meantime, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s advice to others is to “Stand up for what is right. Have a backbone. Keep trying to make a difference. Whatever happens to you, you know you went down fighting.”

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