On February 3rd, 2024, TEDx University of Salford captivated audiences with its third annual event, “BECOME UNSTOPPABLE,” held at the DPL Studio, University of Salford’s Media City Campus. Among the ten distinguished speakers who took the stage, Maudlyn Akosua Awuku stood out with her compelling talk on breaking boundaries through empowering social change.
Ms. Awuku, an award-winning women and youth leadership empowerment advocate, delivered a passionate discourse on the importance of empowering women and youth to contribute towards sustainable development and gender equality. Her talk resonated deeply with attendees, offering actionable insights and inspiring a call to action.
Maudlyn Akosua Awuku is not just another name in the crowd; she is a force to be reckoned with. With a Master’s degree in Project Management from the University of Salford Manchester and a rich academic background that includes degrees from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, and the Accra Business School, Ms. Awuku has proven herself as an outstanding leader in community development.
Her accolades speak volumes: from earning the prestigious Young Achievers Award at the UK House of Parliament to being recognised as a Young Global Peace Ambassador, Maudlyn has consistently demonstrated her commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
As the CEO and founder of GEWE Global Network, a UK-based organisation focusing on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment, Ms. Awuku is at the forefront of empowering Black African, Ethnic Minorities (BAME), and young women from underrepresented backgrounds. Her organisation encourages these women to take up leadership roles in politics, civic participation, and decision-making for social change.
Additionally, Maudlyn is the mastermind behind Anijie Global Foundation, a youth-led NGO committed to empowering women and youth in Ghana, West Africa. The foundation’s focus on promoting sustainable projects and providing resources to build skills and capacity for the younger generation aligns perfectly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda 2030.
Maudlyn Akosua Awuku’s early exposure to international platforms, such as the Model UN conferences, has equipped her with in-depth knowledge and experience in understanding international relations and diplomacy issues. Her passion for empowering and including women and youth in leadership roles is evident in her advocacy for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4, 5, and 13, which focus on quality education, gender equality, and climate action, respectively.
Through her two organisations, GEWE Network and Anijie Global Foundation, Maudlyn leads by example as a skilled young leader and changemaker with exceptional leadership abilities and a commitment to personal growth. Her drive to succeed, fulfil her purpose, and make a positive impact motivates her every day.
Milestones and Recognitions
- 2024: TEDx Speaker, Global Peace Ambassador, Delegate to the United Nations, Board Member Club Alpbach London, 2024 African Women in Development Award, Gender Equality and Youth Leadership in Sustainability Award (House of Lords, UK)
- 2023: People’s Choice Award, Community Development Award, 40 Under Forty UK Influential Young Leader, Board Member – Club Alpbach London, Young Achievers Award (House of Commons, UK Parliament), Alumni Rising Star Award (University of Salford Manchester), Humanitarian of the Year Award (40 National Top Business and Brands, Ghana)
- 2022-2020: Founder GEWE Network, Royal Voluntary Service, UN Women UK Delegate to the United Nations, MSC Project Management Graduate (University of Salford Manchester)
- 2019-2013: Founder Anijie Global Foundation, UNDP, Ghana, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana, Executive MBA in Leadership & Management, BSc Sociology and Political Studies Graduate, First Campus Director (Hult Prize KNUST), Ghanaian Representative (World Youth Forum, Arab and African Youth Platform, MUN in AMERICA, EUROPE, AFRICA), Director UN Women, UNICEF, UNDP and Chairperson, MUN Conferences, Krobo Girls Senior High School
Maudlyn Akosua Awuku’s TEDx talk at the University of Salford was not just an inspiring speech but a testament to her unwavering commitment to empowering women and youth and fostering social change. As she continues to break boundaries and make strides in her advocacy work, Ms. Awuku serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless individuals around the world.
