RIO DE JANEIRO (JUNE 21)-Last night, WEDO joined colleagues, partners and friends for an evening “Celebrating women’s leadership for sustainable development,” an event organized in partnership with the Global Gender Office of IUCN and the Global Gender and Climate Alliance, and with UNDP and the Rio Conventions Pavilion. Among women recognized for their innovative work and leadership were WEDO friends and partners Feri Lumampao of Approtech Asia and ENERGIA (Philippines) and Maria-Josee Artist of the Association of Indigenous Village Leaders (VIDS) (Suriname). Keynote speaker President Tarja Halonen, Finland was also awarded the ‘Presidents Award’ for her consistent championship of women’s rights and gender equality.

Each award winner received a statuette in the shape of a hummingbird, in memory of the late activist, environmentalist and friend, Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai, whose famous story of the hummingbird always reminds us that small actions can make major change– “to do the best we can.”

The event was celebrated in memory of our late friend and immense gender champion Marie Aminata Khan.

Awardees also included:
Min. Rejoice Mabudafhasi, South Africa
H.E. Satu Hassi, Finland
H.E. Benjamin S. Karmorh, Jr., Liberia
Dr. Jamal Al Den Jaballah, League of Arab States

See some photos below from the event: