Recognizing Cambodia's "International Women of Courage"

U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh
March 12, 2007

From left to right - Cambodian IWOC finalist Ms. Oung Chanthol; H.E. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Cambodian Minister of Women's and Veteran's Affairs; U.S. Ambassador Joseph A. Mussomeli; and Cambodian IWOC runner-up Ms. Ith Mathoura. Full Size

The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh recently recognized the Cambodian finalist and runner-up in the first annual "International Women of Courage" awards program, which was inaugurated by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in honor of International Women's Day 2007.  The award is the State Department's only continuing awards program exclusively for emerging women leaders.  The finalist for Cambodia was Ms. Oung Chanthol, Executive Director and Founder of the Cambodian Women's Crisis Center (CWCC).  The runner-up was 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/or social advancement of women in Cambodia.  U.S. Ambassador Joseph A. Mussomeli was joined by H.E. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Cambodian Minister of Women's and Veteran's Affairs, in presenting the awards.

In his remarks, Ambassador Mussomeli stated, "Cambodia is a place where it has been tougher than elsewhere for women to stand up and defend their rights.  None of the successes we celebrate today would be possible were it not for all the courageous women who have devoted -- and risked -- their lives to spreading the message of freedom and democracy in Cambodia.  Every day, Cambodian women overcome threats and intimidation.  Presenting this award to women of courage is an opportunity to celebrate acts of bravery by the extraordinary women in Cambodia who, in transforming their own society, create a more peaceful and prosperous nation for all."  He concluded his remarks by saying, "These two women have brought hope to people who have most needed it. We salute them both."

In her remarks, Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi stated, "I am immensely proud that two Cambodian women have won the “International Women of Courage” awards which acknowledge that women in Cambodia can make a difference in the advancement of the society. In this respect, Cambodian women have had and will have, more and more role to play in the  development of a democratic, equitable, fair and peaceful nation in promoting the culture of peace, the respect of human rights and ensuring social justice."

In her statement on International Women's Day, Secretary Rice said, "Around the world, women overcome threats and intimidation to promote peace, equality, and dignity for all people. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate acts of courage and determination by the extraordinary women around the world who, in transforming their own societies, create a more peaceful and prosperous world for all of us.  This year it is my privilege to inaugurate the Secretary’s International Women of Courage Award. Through this annual award the United States will honor the courage of extraordinary women worldwide who have played transformative roles in their societies."