Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-03-04 08:36:05
The annual International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awards will take place on March 4 at 16:30 GMT, hosted by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and the First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden. This prestigious award ceremony, held at the White House, will honor twelve exceptional women for their courage, strength, and leadership. The event will be live streamed on www.state.gov for viewers around the world to witness the inspiring presentations of the awards.
One of the awardees, Fatou Baldeh, will be recognized for her lifelong advocacy for women’s rights and the protection of women’s health and safety. Ms. Baldeh, a recipient of the Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 2019 for her outstanding work in Scotland, will now receive one of the highest honors bestowed upon women globally by the U.S. State Department. She played a crucial role in documenting women’s experiences during the oppressive Jammeh dictatorship, shedding light on atrocities such as murder, rape, forced labor, and witch hunts. Her findings were instrumental in The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission’s (TRRC) final report. Through her organization, Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL), Ms. Baldeh tirelessly educates the public and private sectors about the health consequences of Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM/C) as well as human rights issues.
The International Women of Courage Award, now in its 18th year, celebrates women from diverse backgrounds who have displayed exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equity and equality, and women’s empowerment, often at great personal risk. Since its inception in March 2007, the Department of State has recognized over 190 awardees from more than 90 countries. U.S. diplomatic missions nominate one woman of courage from their host countries, with finalists selected and approved by senior Department officials.
After the IWOC ceremony, Ms. Baldeh will engage in an exchange program that includes participation in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in Washington, D.C., as well as additional activities in Los Angeles. During her time in the U.S., she will visit universities and non-profit organizations, and collaborate with private sector contacts to share strategies and ideas aimed at empowering women and girls worldwide.
The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is regarded as the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. Leaders from various fields across the globe participate in short-term visits to the United States, gaining firsthand experience and establishing lasting relationships with their American counterparts.
This momentous event not only recognizes the extraordinary contributions of women like Fatou Baldeh but also serves as a platform to inspire and empower individuals to continue advocating for equality, justice, and human rights on a global scale. Through their courage and resilience, these women embody the spirit of progress and change, making a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.
Read the original article on The Voice Gambia
