Speeches
Remarks by H.E. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi: “International Women of Courage” Annual Awards Ceremony
US Embassy Phnom Penh
March 12, 2007
Royal Highnesses
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen
I would like first to express my sincere thanks to the Embassy of the United States of America and especially to Ambassador Mussomeli for inviting me to share the first annual “International Women of Courage” awards ceremony and giving me the opportunity to say a few words.
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.
The Royal Government of Cambodia’s Rectangular Strategy for Growth, Employment, Equity and Efficiency fully recognizes women as the backbone of our economy and society. So, it is extremely important that we engage more women together with men in providing leadership in these endeavors – this is particularly important in Cambodia given our weak human capital due to years of armed conflict. Moreover, rapid socio-economic and political changes, globalization of markets and communications in these times bring new emerging issues and challenges for the country so women need to learn how to respond to these challenges, to have the courage to confront the obstacles and, to display leadership to take over the issues despite the absence of an enabling environment.
This impulse is illustrated with the example of Ms. Oung Chanthol, Executive Director and Founder of the Cambodian Women’s Crisis Center (CWCC) and to Ms. Ith Mathoura, a trained lawyer currently working for the Community Legal Education Center (CLEC).
Ms. Oung Chanthol and Ms. Ith Mathoura have demonstrated outstanding courage and leadership in combating gender-based violence and in ensuring justice for vulnerable groups and poor people. In time, they are making a difference in people’s life and well-being.
The acknowledgement by the international community in delivering the certificate to Ms. Oung Chanthol and Ms. Ith Mathoura, will significantly support their active contribution at the national level and will encourage more women to follow the path of these two role models to work for the social and economic advancement of Cambodian women, Cambodian families and Cambodian people.
On behalf of the Cambodian women and the Cambodian government, let me say thank you to Ms. Oung Chanthol and Ms. Ith Mathoura for your dedication and perseverance toward a democratic, equitable and fair development of Cambodia and thank you to the State Department of United States of America for this initiative, by rewarding people who are engaging to make a difference in their work.
The results of your combined efforts will pave the way for the young generation as they will in turn lead this new millennium.
I wish the awardees a most successful career and great success in your very valuable efforts to empower women in Cambodia and as for the other guests I wish you the five Buddhist blessings which are longevity, nobility, good health, strength and wisdom.
Thank you.
