US Embassy nominates Karen De Souza for IWOC Award

Mar 10, 2012 News

The United States Embassy has nominated Karen De Souza, Founder of Red Thread for the International

Head of Red Thread who has been nominated for the International Women of Courage Award, Ms. Karen De Souza.

Women of Courage Award this year in observance of International Women’s Day
This International Women’s Day, Secretary Clinton and First Lady Michelle Obama will host the 6th annual International Women of Courage Awards, honoring 10 remarkable women from around the world. These women have shown exceptional bravery and leadership in advocating for women’s rights and empowerment, often at great personal risk. Their stories represent just a few of the emerging leaders found in every corner of the world.
A statement from the US Embassy noted that Ms. De Souza works to raise public awareness about domestic violence, continuously demands action from politicians and supports women in their daily struggles against domestic violence. Ms. De Souza has challenged these tragic issues that affect so many women and children and has made great strides in raising national consciousness about this scourge and in challenging the all too common social acceptance of violence.
“As we rightfully honor the achievements of dedicated women such as Karen De Souza, we are also reminded that International Women’s Day is an opportunity to renew a broader call for action, investment and commitment to women’s equality at this moment of historic opportunity. Secretary Clinton has referred to this era as “the Participation Age” – a time where every individual, regardless of gender or other characteristics, is poised to be a contributing and valued member of their society”, the release said.
The US Embassy’s statement said around the world, they have been witnessing examples of the Participation Age. Recently, the U.S. Embassy had the opportunity to attend and support Guyana’s Women and Gender Equality Commission’s successful forum, entitled “Access to Justice for Women.” During the forum, the U.S. Embassy witnessed how the Women and Gender Equality Commission created an open space for women from different sectors to raise specific concerns about women’s justice.
The Commission reviewed a number of cases with Ministers and other prominent stakeholders, including cases associated with domestic and gender based violence. The forum concluded with Women for Women International’s motto, “One woman can change many things and many women can change everything,” resonating with all the women present and reinforcing the promise of improving the situation for women.

Further, the Women and Gender Equality Commission also recognised USAID for its continuing contributions and support to Women’s Organisations in Guyana such as the Commission. USAID has worked tirelessly to empower Guyana’s women’s organisations, including the Commission, Red Thread, Help and Shelter and the Roadside Baptist Skills Training Centre, through grants, support and education.

The Access to Justice for Women Forum followed a gender-based violence (GBV) workshop that the U.S. Embassy PEPFAR team hosted on March 2 highlighting the link between GBV and incidence of HIV/AIDS. The U.S. Embassy also sought to participate in non-governmental initiatives such as the “Witness Project,” launched by the Margaret Clemons Foundation that used photography of eyes of children and the faces of Guyanese from all walks of life to spark a nationwide discussion on domestic violence and how to reduce its incidence.
In the meantime, the US Embassy says they will continue to reach out into the Guyanese community to support and recognise women who are making a difference. To this end, we are planning to host a Symposium focusing on Strategies for Successful Women that will bring together women from across the social spectrum to discuss their distinctive challenges and opportunities.