U.S. Ambassador Donald Yamamoto Presents “International Women of Courage Award for Ethiopia” to Meaza Ashenafi

March 21, 2008
No. 08/2008

Addis Ababa (U.S. Embassy) – U.S. Ambassador Donald Yamamoto presented the “International Women of Courage Award for Ethiopia” to Woizero Meaza Ashenafi, founder and former director of the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association, in a ceremony at the U.S. Embassy on Friday, March 21.

Amb. Yamamoto, quoting the U.S. Secretary of State, said, "women of courage are standing up for freedom and human dignity, and the United States stands with them. We must not forget that the advance of women's rights and the advance of human liberty go hand in hand."

As part of the celebration of International Women's Day and Women's History Month, American Embassies around the world nominate “women of courage” in their respective countries each year for this prestigious award.  The award celebrates exceptional courage and leadership in advocating form women's rights and advancement. 

In nominating Woizero Meaza, the Embassy recognizes her contributions to advancing human rights in Ethiopia through her work as a legal advisor to the Ethiopian Constitution Commission of the transitional government in 1993, and her founding and administration of the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association since 1995.

The awarding of the Africa Leadership Prize by the Hunger Project in 2003 recognized Woizero Meaza’s contribution to advancing women’s rights throughout Africa.  In presenting the IWOC Award for Ethiopia to Woizero Meaza, Amb. Yamamoto said, “we are very pleased to present you today with this award for your exemplary work in advocating and advancing the rights of women in Ethiopia and your efforts to build a more just society that gives all of its members equal opportunity to contribute to peace, democracy, and justice for all.”