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Saturday 7 March 2009

Ambiga To Receive US Courage Award

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Bar president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan has been named among the eight recipients of this year's "International Women of Courage Award."

The award was established by the US Department of State.

According to the Press Office of the US Embassy here, Ambiga would receive the award from US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington on Monday in conjunction with International Women's Day.

It said Ambiga was selected "for championing the rule of law and for advancing human rights, the status of women and religious tolerance in Malaysia.

"Dato' Ambiga Sreenevasan has emerged as a strong voice for tolerance and justice, and has had a direct impact on judicial reform in Malaysia, contributing to strengthening of the role of women in civil society."

Other recipients are Veronika Marchenko (Russia), Mutabar Tadjibayeva (Uzbekistan), Hadjkjatou Mani (Niger), Reem Al-Numery (Yemen), Norma Cruz (Guatemala), Suaad Abbas Salm (Iraq) and Wazhma Frogh (Afghanistan).

"The honorees are recognised for their outstanding contribution on behalf of women and their societies, and for tackling such issues as domestic violence, forced and child marriage, human trafficking; fighting corruption and demanding government transparency; defending access to justice and the rule of law; and safeguarding equal rights and opportunities for women," the Press Office said.

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