| Libyan Activist Gets International Women of Courage Award 09/03/2012 09:37:00 | ||
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| Hana El Hebshi (third from left) poses with US first lady Michelle Obama (centre in white dress), Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton (fourht from right), and the other recipients of the 2012 International Women of Courage AwardHana El Hebshi, a 27-year-old architect who was one of the people who documented the history while it was unfolding during the conflict last year in Libya, Thursday was one 10 women activists from all over, to receive the 6th annual International Women of Courage Award.The award, hosted by America’s first lady, Michelle Obama, and US secretary of state Hillary Rodham Clinton, recognises women activists and leaders who have advocated for women’s rights and empowerment.Before the presentation both personalities addressed the event in Washington DC, with Mrs Clinton describing the event as one of the most important and special occasions of the year in the city.She went on to say that the day was special, for the way they mark International Women’s Day, to gather leaders and activists, and “particularly our honourees here in Washington to recognise their remarkable achievements.”Mrs Clinton said that the women who were being honoured have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of women and girls despite sometimes having to endure imprisonment and abuse.She added: “Whether pushing for change in the halls of government in the Maldives, the courts of Saudi Arabia; whether making sure women have a voice in Libya’s future and a role in Pakistan’s government; whether enduring imprisonment or abuse for trying to assist other women and girls at risk, these women, who you will meet today, are all making a difference in the face of adversity, often under the threat of violence that is sometimes hard for those of us here in Washington or across our great country even to imagine.“And while we honour them today, we know that tomorrow their work will and must continue so that every woman and girl someday will have the opportunity to live up to her own God-given potential.Mrs. Obama praised the the women honoured Thursday for refusing to accept the world as it is, and instead fighting to remake the world “as they know it should be”.Hana El Hebshi was one of the “remarkable” women who during the past year had 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.In the Libyan recipient’s case, it was pointed out, that writing under the pseudonym Numidia, Hana, an architect, not only showed the world what the people of Libya were enduring, but let the people of Libya know that the world was standing with them.She worked, often at risk to her own safety, to get information out to the world about the crimes committed by the former regime against the Libyan people, and remains a strong voice for freedom of expression and women’s inclusion as the Libyan people chart the course for their country’s future. She was honoured for her courage displayed during the revolution.In presenting the award, and amidst applause from the august gathering, Ms Clinton said: “As the dust of the Libyan revolution settles, the details of those tumultuous months are coming to light. We honour today Hana”She went on to tell the Libyan woman: “Human Rights Activist: For courageous advancement of the cause of freedom and the freedom especially of expression, and for the promotion of women’s rights during times of conflict and transition in Libya, we thank you and we thank all of Libya’s daughters and sons who have made their country free.”This award, particularly in the case in Libya, where people stood up to a dictator and claimed their rights as citizens recognises the key role Libyan women played in the revolution and continue as active participants in Libya’s robust civil society community and in Libyan politics.In presenting the award, and amidst applause from the august gathering, Ms Clinton said: “As the dust of the Libyan revolution settles, the details of those tumultuous months are coming to light. We honour today Hana”She went on to tell the Libyan woman: “Human Rights Activist: For courageous advancement of the cause of freedom and the freedom especially of expression, and for the promotion of women’s rights during times of conflict and transition in Libya, we thank you and we thank all of Libya’s daughters and sons who have made their country free.”Secretary Clinton said all ten women has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of women and girls despite sometimes having to endure imprisonment and abuse. Mrs. Obama praised them for refusing to accept the world as it is, and instead fighting to remake the world “as they know it should be”.Hana El-Hebshi has also been offered a ten-day workshop on women’s leadership and will have the chance to visit five cities in the US.The other recipients of the award were: Jineth Bedoya Lima of Colombia, Priscilla de Oliveira Azevedo of Brazil, Zin Mar Aung of Myanmar, Aneesa Ahmed of the Maldives, Shad Begum of Pakistan, Maryam Durani of Afghanistan, Samar Badawi of Saudi Arabia, Safak Pavey of Turkey, and Hawa Abdallah Mohammed Salih of Sudan |
Libyan Activist Gets International Women of Courage Award
Abdullah Al Asadi is a Libyan journalist and writer at TripoliPost, covering politics, society, and culture across Libya and the wider region. With a passion for independent storytelling and a commitment to accuracy, he brings readers in-depth reporting and thoughtful analysis on the issues shaping his country. He can be reached at abdullah.asadi@tripolipost.com
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