About Dr. Brigalia Bam
COUNTRY OF BIRTH
The former Transkei in the Eastern Cape of South Africa
INDUSTRY
Social activism
TOP ACHIEVEMENTS
Dr. Brigalia Bam is known for her efforts on behalf of women and social activism in South Africa. She is one of the founding members of the Women’s Development Foundation in South Africa and became the foundation’s president in 1998. She also served as Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission in South Africa.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Brigalia Bam was born in 1933 in the former Transkei in the Eastern Cape, a province of South Africa. She trained and worked as a teacher and received further training in social work, communication, and management. She earned a postgraduate degree from the University of Chicago.
EARLY CAREER
Dr. Brigalia Bam has served on many boards and worked for a variety of organizations, but she initially became well-known through her work as General Secretary of the South African Council of Church. She has also served as the Africa Regional Secretary and Coordinator of the Women’s Workers' Programme for the International Food and Allied Workers Association. She coordinated the Young Men’s Christian Association's International Training Institute and Programme and its affiliate, the Development for Human Rights. She served as Executive Programme Secretary for the Women’s Department of the World Council of Churches and has been a member of the Panel of the Wise since 2007.
RECOGNITION
- In 1999, Dr. Brigalia Bam received the Order of Simon of Cyrene award from the Anglican Church of Southern Africa.
- IIn 2004, she received the National Order of the Baobab for her role in the upliftment of women and for her contribution to democracy in South Africa.
- In 2013, she received the Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Peace and Reconciliation.
