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Fiji Activist Recognized As U.S. 'Woman of Courage'

Tuesday: March 11, 2008

(Media release)

The Executive Director of the Fiji Women's Rights Movement (FWRM),  Virisila Buadromo, was today awarded one of the United States Government¹s most prestigious awards for courage ­the Secretary of State¹s International Women of Courage Award for 2008.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice presented the award to Ms. Buadromo in a special ceremony at the State Department in Washington, D.C., for showing exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for women¹s rights and advancement in Fiji.

Later in the day, Ms. Buadromo was saluted in a White House ceremony, hosted by President Bush, in honor of International Women's Day.

Virisila Buadromo (second from left) with other "Women of Courage" recipients and U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice.

Ms. Buadromo is one of eight awardees from around the world, including Afghanistan and Iraq, who have demonstrated outstanding courage and leadership in promoting the political, economic, and/or social advancement of women.  Ms. Buadromo is the sole awardee from the East Asia/Pacific region.

The award notes that Ms. Buadromo has continued to advocate for gender equality, legal and political reform, and democracy despite the challenges and threats resulting from Fiji¹s 2006 military coup.

It notes too that despite the political climate, Ms. Buadromo and her team continue to help women and children access justice and defend their rights.

Ms. Buadromo and the other awardees are now participating in a high-profile program of events in Washington and New York in celebration of International Women's Day.

The IWOC programme is part of the US State Department's effort to celebrate the courage of women who not only make their fellow citizens proud but who are international defenders of what US President George Bush has described as the "non-negotiable demands of human dignity."