Monday, March 12, 2007

U.S. Embassy honors 2 Cambodians with Women of Courage Award

Ms. Oung Chanthol, Executive Director and Founder of the Cambodian Women's Crisis Center (CWCC)

March 12, 2007

The U.S. Embassy in Cambodia honored two women as the Cambodian winner and runner-up of International Women of Courage Award on Monday.

"Presenting this award to women of courage is an opportunity to celebrate acts of bravery by the extraordinary women in Cambodian who, in transforming their own society, create a more peaceful and prosperous nation for all," U.S. Ambassador Joseph A. Mussomeli said in a ceremony joined by Cambodian Minister of Women's and Veteran's Affairs H.E. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi.

The winner for Cambodia is Ms. Oung Chanthol, Executive Director and Founder of the Cambodian Women's Crisis Center (CWCC), a press release said, adding that the runner-up is Ms. Ith Mathoura, a trained lawyer currently working for the Community Legal Education Center (CLEC).

These two women have demonstrated outstanding courage and leadership in promoting the political, economic and social advancement of women in Cambodia, it said.

Ms. Oung Chanthol is a lawyer who has been a leader in the fight against violence against women, particularly trafficking, rape and domestic violence, Mussomeli said, adding that Ms. Oung Chanthol founded the CWCC in 1997 which has helped several thousand victims of gender-based violence.

"This award is not just a proud moment for CWCC and for me, but for all, our whole nation, all women in Cambodia, and our government, which sees women as crucial partners in the development of our nation," Ms. Oung Chanthol said after receiving the award from Mussomeli.

The first annual "International Women of Courage" awards program was inaugurated by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in honor of International Women's Day 2007, the press release said, adding that the award is the State Department's only continuing awards program exclusively for emerging women leaders.

Source: Xinhua

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulation US Embassy that chose real women activists to award...but if Embassy chose Bun Rainy, Embassy will get more credit finance...mony from her for such honor with her disability...

Anonymous said...

US should give to Hun Sen a prestige PHD to exchange more Khmer-Oil.And see more Khmer-Blood is sucked by Hun Sen regime.
Congratulation US,you're the best nation in the world who rape Cambodia & its People ;again and again !

Anonymous said...

Congratulation! A job well done! I would like to see more Cambodian women seated on top instead of so many men. Keep up the good work! And may all Cambodian women like you chen up and keep walking!

kpp

Anonymous said...

Heart-felt congratulations to both
Ms. Oung Chant and Ms. Ith Mathourahol. They both seserve such recognition and award. They give hope to their fellow Cambodians who should be proud of them. They are also role models for the younger generation.

LAO Mong Hay, Hong Kong

Anonymous said...

Where is Bun Rany* (mistress of Hok Lundy)??

*Wife of Hun Sen but mistress of Hok Lundy