"WOMAN OF COURAGE" and UN REPORTING

23 FEBRUARY 2010 "WOMAN OF COURAGE" AND UN REPORTING
This afternoon, Sister Amira shared with us the good news that Sister Marie-Claude
Naddaf, Syria, is one of eight women chosen by the American Government from as many countries, as a "WOMEN OF COURAGE". They will be honoured first in Washington, beginning on International Women's Day, March 8, and then in New York. Marie-Claude surely deserves the award. She has had a huge involvement with 1,200 families of the 1,000,000 Iraqi refugees that have poured into Damascus since the war. Sister also has a very modern unit for victims of domestic violence. The Counselling Centre attached to this has already received an award of excellence from the French Government.

Later on this year there will be a reporting session at the UN New York on the work towards the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. Three countries are due to report - Albania, Argentina and Australia. I am due to attend to see what developments are planned in relation to Albania. Please God, the work will also include some solutions for our trafficking problems.

Winter is having a last fling this week with snow and rain! We look forward to March 1 when the Greek Orthodox celebrate the arrival of Spring. Later, on March 14, the Muslims also celebrate, so hopefully Spring for us is just around the corner!