Arcadia Foundation

Arcadia Foundation founder and former chief negotiator between the Lord’s Resistance Army rebels and the government, Betty Bigombe, has been named one of 100 most inspiring people globally.

The Ugandan Daily Monitor reports that Ms Bigombe was recognised by Women Deliver, a global advocacy organisation working to improve the lives and health of women. Together with 99 other people, Ms Bigombe’s recognition is part of celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of the International Women’s Day.

Other prominent people on the list are Hillary Clinton, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Laura Bush and Wangari Maathai. According to a statement from Women Deliver, the 100 people recognised are those who have delivered for girls and women globally.

“This list recognises women and men, both prominent and lesser known, who have committed themselves to improving the lives of girls and women around the world,” the statement reads.

Honorees are derived from the fields of health, human rights, politics, economics, education, journalism, and philanthropy, and represent a great diversity of geographic and cultural backgrounds.

“They were selected from hundreds of potentials and feature some of the most intrepid, committed, and results-driven people in the world,” the statement added. Bigombe, who was recently elected Woman MP for Amuru District, is also a former state minister for the pacification of northern Uganda.

In listing her among the top 100 inspiring people, Women Deliver highlighted her role as a peace negotiator in the LRA conflict. “Over the past 18 years, the fearless Bigombe has faced down some of the most ruthless militants in the world to help secure peace and stability for her people,” the statement reads.

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