Women’s History Month is a time to honor the female trailblazers who have shaped our world. The incredible women leading our upcoming Breaking Barriers with Opportunity webinar series to share what woman from their country has inspired them, and why? Their responses reveal stories of resilience, leadership, and change-makers whose legacies deserve to be celebrated.
Alice Lajwa
Project Manager for the Women Empowerment Project – Uganda
Betty Oyella Bigombe is a Ugandan politician and conflict resolution expert who has played a significant role in peacebuilding efforts. From 2014 to 2017, she served as the Senior Director for Fragility, Conflict, and Violence at the World Bank, working to address the complex challenges faced by conflict-affected regions.
Bigombe has long emphasized that the consequences of war extend far beyond battlefield deaths. She highlighted the lasting impact of conflict, including poverty, malnutrition, disability, economic and social decline, as well as widespread mental and psychological trauma.
During the decades-long insurgency in Northern Uganda, when communities endured violence, displacement, and atrocities at the hands of Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), Bigombe was at the forefront of peace efforts. As State Minister for Northern Uganda, she was tasked with reaching out to the LRA in hopes of brokering peace—an immense challenge given the ongoing destruction. In 1993, she took the unprecedented step of establishing direct contact with JosephKony, marking the first serious attempt at negotiations between the Ugandan government and the rebel group. Her work that year earned her the title of Uganda’s Woman of the Year. However, despite her efforts, the talks collapsed in February 1994 before a formal peace agreement could be reached.
In 1999 and 2000, she worked with the Carter Center, offering technical expertise in a mediation effort that helped improve relations between Uganda and Sudan.
After the Barlonyo massacre in February 2004, where LRA rebels killed hundreds of civilians, Bigombe took a leave of absence from the World Bank to once again facilitate peace negotiations. From 2004 to 2005, she personally led mediation efforts, working tirelessly to bring government officials and rebel leaders to the table—often financing much of the logistical support herself.
Her dedication to conflict resolution has made her a key figure in Uganda’s history and an internationally recognized leader in peacebuilding.
This is very personal to me, because for over twenty years my family and I could not return home to our dear motherland, in Northern Uganda. Now, I have the luxury to travel home any day and time without any fears. Today, I celebrate Betty Bigombe for her sacrifice because anyone who works for peace is worth celebrating.
Post conflict restoration is a journey of a million miles, but thanks to the efforts of the many peace builders like Betty Bigombe, Opportunity International is part of this restoration process running programs in Northern Uganda and rebuilding the lives of people who would never have been reached had the war persisted.
Sakshi Sodhi
Senior Technical Assistance Advisor for Education Finance – India
Sudha Murty, a prolific author and chairperson of Infosys Foundation, exemplifies humility, empathy, and a strong sense of purpose.
Under her leadership, the foundation has significantly impacted education, healthcare, public hygiene, and rural development across India. Her compassionate yet strategic approach to philanthropy serves as a model for young professionals in social work and corporate responsibility. Early in her career, Murty broke gender barriers as the first female engineer at Tata Motors, inspiring young women to pursue careers in male-dominated fields.
Despite her promising career, when she had to instead support her husband’s vision for Infosys, she still found her purpose in philanthropy, prioritizing long-term impact.
On a personal level, despite her wealth and status, Sudha Murty is known for her humility and simple lifestyle. As an author, her books resonate with readers of all ages, reflecting values of integrity, courage, and perseverance, making her an enduring inspiration both personally and professionally.
Bhahati Zimba
Project Officer, Agriculture Finance – Malawi
Joyce Banda has been a significant figure in Malawi’s history, and her work continues to inspire many. As the former President of Malawi, Banda founded the Joyce Banda Foundation International (JBFI) in 1997. The foundation focuses on empowering women and youth through education, entrepreneurship, and social support.
JBFI has been instrumental in providing quality education to disadvantaged children, supporting over 20,000 vulnerable children, and working with over 200,000 women. The foundation’s mission is to champion socio-economic empowerment and ensure equal access to education, particularly in rural areas. I’m inspired by Joyce Banda’s work to uplift the less advantaged and promoting sustainable development in Malawi.
