A Note of Gratitude to H.E. Karin Boven: Champion of Health and Gender Equality in Uganda

Monday, 23 September, 2024

Her Excellency Karin Boven, the former Ambassador of the Netherlands to Uganda, has been a key partner and advocate for health, gender equality, and youth empowerment in Uganda, She has been deeply passionate about several key components and programs that aligned with the Netherlands’ priorities in development cooperation, thus leaving a lasting impact through her work and partnerships with various Organizations including Amref Health Africa.

***The Chief Executive Officer of Amref Health Africa Dr. Githinji Gitahi pays a courtesy call to the then Ambassador Karen Boven of the Embassy of Netherlands in Uganda.***

Karin was deeply committed to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), ensuring that women and young people had access to vital reproductive health services. Her leadership was instrumental in securing funding for programs like Heroes for Gender Transformative Action, which empowered youth and women across nine high-burden districts in Uganda.

Her passion for gender equality extended beyond health services, focusing on empowering women economically and socially. She supported initiatives that promoted women’s rights and worked to prevent gender-based violence (GBV), ensuring survivors had access to justice and health services.

In her role, Karen fostered partnerships between the Netherlands Embassy and local organizations, including Amref Health Africa, to build sustainable, community-driven health solutions. Her support for public-private partnerships and collaboration with grassroots organizations strengthened the impact of SRHR and SGBV interventions.

Her legacy in Uganda is one of profound commitment to gender equity, youth empowerment, and sustainable health, leaving an indelible mark on the communities that have benefited from funding from the Netherlands Embassy in Uganda and inspiring future generations of health advocates.

Appreciation Message for Ms. Ruth Van Zorge – First Secretary Sexual Reproductive Health Rights and Gender at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Amref Health Africa extends its deepest gratitude to Ruth Van Zorge for her unwavering support and invaluable contributions through the Heroes for Gender Transformative Action program. Ruth’s commitment to advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) has left an indelible impact on communities across Uganda.

***Ruth in a black top listens to some women during one of the many field visits she paid to communities in the Heroes Program.***

Her leadership and strategic guidance were instrumental in the success of the program, empowering young people and women to advocate for their rights and access critical health services. Ruth’s dedication to reducing teenage pregnancies, preventing SGBV, and fostering gender equality has created a lasting legacy of positive change. We deeply appreciate her partnership, vision, and tireless efforts in improving the lives of many through the Heroes program.

Link to photobook