Source: Tanzania Daily News
The Embassy of United States of America in Tanzania has conferred Ms Jane Magigita- Milyango the 2014 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Drum Major for Justice Award in recognition of her efforts in advocating women's legal rights.

At a colourful ceremony held at the embassy in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Ms Magigita- Milyango said she received the award on behalf of the majority of Tanzanian women working in the informal sector.

"These women make great sacrifices and significant contributions to their families and Tanzania's economy and yet remain vulnerable and marginalized. I see this nomination as an award for those whom I serve," she said in her acceptance speech.

Ms Magigita-Milyango has been very instrumental in supporting women on issues such as gender-based violence, land inheritance, as well as land usage for women in rural areas.

The recipient is the Founder and Executive Director of Equality for Growth (EfG), a non-profit organization established in 2008.

Before that she worked as a volunteer at the Women's Legal Aid Centre (WLAC) advocating human and women rights. She is also a founder and board member of various local organizations such as African Evangelical Enterprise and Children's Dignity Forum.

At EfG, she designed a programme known as "Sauti ya Mwanamke Sokoni" (The woman's voice at the market) which aims to empower women working in the informal sector.

The initiative has also helped women to become leaders in their markets and demand good governance and accountability from local government authorities. Introducing Ms Magigita- Milyango at the ceremony, the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) Executive Director Dr Hellen Kijo-Bisimba, described the recipient as "a local and international trainer on women's rights."

"Even when she was working as a volunteer and then as an employee at WLAC, she helped training paralegals countrywide and offered legal aid to needy women," Dr Kijo- Bisimba said.

The US Embassy Charge D' Affaires, Ms Virginia Blaser commended the recipient for her vision, courage and commitment in combating injustice. "Ms Magigita-Milyango strengthens the voices of her fellow Tanzanians so that they too can demand justice in peaceful and non-violent manner. For the past thirteen years, she has provided legal aid services to women who are victims of gender-based violence.

"Thanks to her that these women and their children refused to accept the injustice of gender violence. And, like people who marched with Dr King these women have been empowered to demand their legal rights as citizens of this great nation," the US official said.

Dr Martin Luther King Jr was born in 1929 and killed in April 4, 1968. He was an American pastor, activist, humanitarian, and leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement.

He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights using nonviolent civil disobedience based on his Christian beliefs.

• Tanzania