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US Embassy’s ‘International Woman of Courage’ Award goes to the late Dr. Faith Harding
…remembered for social services, and family life
The local United States Embassy during its customary celebration of International Women’s Day has recognised the late Dr. Faith Harding as this year’s recipient of the ‘International Woman of Courage’ award. Her husband, Patrick Harding, was on hand to collect the award on her behalf.
Some of last night’s attendees
A special reception presided over by Charge’ d Affaires Bryan Hunt, was held at the Ambassador’s residence in honour of the late politician, educator, women’s rights activist, community worker and psychotherapist.
Charge Hunt in his address noted that the courage and contributions of women and girls around the world must be celebrated, while acknowledging the accomplishments of American and Guyanese women who have made invaluable contributions to their communities and countries.
He said that when the Embassy’s senior leadership met to discuss the 2015 award recipient in Guyana, “the selection was sad but obvious…; no one has embodied the ideals of an International Woman of Courage more than the late Dr. Harding, who was tragically lost to this country earlier this year.”
“There is no question to those of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with Faith, however briefly, that she dedicated her life to the service of the human family. Whether she was championing the cause of gender equality in front of an audience of thousands or simply extending a helping hand and sympathetic ear to a troubled teenager struggling with thoughts of suicide, Faith was equally determined to ensure that justice was done and that all were given an equal opportunity to succeed.”
The Charge’ described her “as a powerhouse of ideas, a passionate and compassionate advocate, even, on occasion, a force to be reckoned with… She had seen herself as a servant of others. “
The Charge said that while many would theorize about the problems that face Guyana, “it was Faith who more often than not, brought us back to reality by asking the simple question — ‘So what are we going to do about it?’”
“And in so many ways, it was that spirit of action that I most admired about Faith. No problem was too big for her. No issue was too complex. In her mind no obstacle was fundamentally insurmountable. She truly embodied the old Chinese proverb ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’”
“If we found the problem of domestic violence to be too big to tackle, Faith would urge us to help just one survivor. If we were overwhelmed by the pain of the growing rate of suicide among young Guyanese, Faith would urge us to listen and bring comfort to just one troubled teenager.”
Despite spending her life working to help countless men, women and children who were confronting some of the most desperate circumstances imaginable, Faith never lost her hope, her optimism, and her conviction that somehow, someway, justice could and would be done for them, he said.
Dr. Harding was remembered for her dedication to Guyana and committed to its promise to deliver freedom and justice to all of its citizens.
“She steadfastly refused to participate in the politics of negativity in which so many others seemed content to dabble. She demanded a new form of Guyanese politics — one that looked beyond the divisions of the past and sought to promote inclusive development for all Guyanese. “
The Charge said that Dr. Faith Harding embodied the ideals of the International Woman of Courage Award. “She has done what all women of courage have done — they have gone that long way, and they have inspired so many others to join them. They’ve built movements and created waves of momentum for justice and peace and equality.”
The award which was handed over to Dr. Harding’s husband read “In recognition of her exceptional courage and humanitarian contributions in advocating for women’s rights and empowerment and her passionate commitment to raising awareness of suicide prevention and educational initiatives.”
Patrick Harding thanked the Embassy for the recognizing his wife before adding to the list of positives said about the late Dr. Harding. He remembered the long hours his wife would put into the humanitarian services she went about and her relentless pursuance of justice for those less fortunate.
Mr. Harding went into detail about how his wife placed others before herself and going beyond to bring comfort to those who needed it.
His appreciation speech prompted resounding applause from the many guests who came in honour of the late social contributor.
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