The Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland, has received a Distinguished Champion award at the WEConnect Gala in Washington DC, for her tireless efforts to empower women and achieve gender equality across the world.

“I am particularly pleased the WEConnect award ceremony had such distinguished representation from major corporations – especially female business leaders of such a high calibre and talent, Scotland said in her acceptance speech.

“Business and the public sector working together locally and internationally can do so much to protect the safety of women and to enhance opportunities for potential to be recognised and fulfilled.

“The occasion for me is made all the more significant by the fact the gala is taking place three years to the day since I took up the responsibilities entrusted to me by the Heads of Government of Commonwealth of our 53 member nations and became their Secretary-General.”

WEConnect International is a global network that connects women-owned businesses to qualified buyers across the globe.

Organisers spoke of the Secretary-General’s “commitment to transforming the lives of women”, adding that “it is not just her personal achievements that have inspired females – but her forceful pursuit of progressive change in each of her various posts”.

The event was attended by more than 200 guests including government officials, thought leaders, and philanthropic and civil society organisations, who are champions for women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.