Africa Achievers Award 2023: Christelle Bay Nfor honored in London UK for empowering women, girls

By Ngenwie Azeh S.

Celebrated Social worker and women’s rights activist Christelle Bay Nfor has been honored in London- United Kingdom with an award for her work in women empowerment. The Award trophy and certificate were handed to the honoree on Friday 14 July 2023 during a high profile event in the Palace of Westminster, House of Lords, London UK following the recommendation of the Advisory Board and under Authorization granted by the Board of Trustees of the African Achievers Award.  

Christelle Bay Chongwain Nfor displaying her trophy and certificate at the event 

Accepting her award and honor, Christelle Bay Nfor, founder and Executive Director of the multiple award winning not-for-profit non-governmental organization, Hope for the Needy Association (HOFNA) Cameroon shared her journey and life story dedicating the award to men who work at every level to end Gender-based violence and others. 

“I am dedicating this nomination to the men around the world who are partners in putting an end to all forms of gender based violence, to my team at HOFNA and the thousands of women and girls I have had the opportunity to work with over the years. I am also dedicating this to my mentors and partners who have nurtured the Achiever in me and are supporting our initiatives.” She said 

While sharing her story at the House of Lords, Christelle Bay Nfor noted that growing like every other young girl in Cameroon, she faced challenges but none of them held her back considering her desire to be a better person.

From a humble background with parents without extensive academic qualifications, the single motherhood stigma, teaching and other activities, Christelle Bay noted that this became sources of motivation and inspiration for her to dedicate her time in working for the empowerment of women through her organization. 

Christelle Bay C and other laureates at the event 

“These experiences motivated me to start Hope for the Needy Association. At the root of HOFNA is my motivation to remind every woman and girl that “YOU ARE ENOUGH”. It is my motivation to bring about change in communities through empowering women and girls to be self-reliant, self-aware and socially conscious people with a strong sense of self-worth, realizing their potentials. This includes engaging teenage girls in programs that ensure they stay in school (through scholarships and provision of menstrual hygiene products), and inspiring them to be the best versions of themselves; programs that build self-esteem, income generating skills, and encouraging them to own their voice.” She Said 

“Today, HOFNA is in Special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council. Our ‘creative arts for Girls empowerment’ project and ‘National Initiative to End Violence Against Women’ have been supported by the US Department of State and the Federal Foreign Republic of Germany, directly impacting on the lives of over 2000 women and girls especially in the conflict affected NWR of CAMERoon.” She added. 

Founded in 2011, “The African Achievers Awards is an annual awards ceremony that celebrates African excellence through recognizing and honoring notable individuals and organizations in Africa across multiple industries that contribute immensely to the growth and development of the continent.” The organizer say

Christelle Bay Nfor at the House of Lords just after the event 

Since its inception, the award has recognized influential Africans that are developing and growing Africa we all what to see. The first award was presented to Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu in 2011 to recognize his fight for human rights, justice, and peace. 

This year, alongside Christelle Bay Nfor were other Cameroonians like Jennifer Achu Chief Executive Office (CEO) of JAchu Ventures and Prof Victor Mbarika of the ICT University. His Excellency Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh Vice President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Ambassador Nir Gess Honorary Consul of Malawi in the state of Israel, Summy Smart Francis Founder Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs organization, Ms Vincia Cloete Namibia Institute of Corporate governance, amongst others were also honored.  

The event has been hosted in different countries to reach Africans in the diaspora.