For its more than two decades of working with women and youth to empower them by providing access to social and economic resources, the European Union (EU) has this year recognised and bestowed local organisation, Women Across Differences (WAD), with its Annual Human Rights Award.
WAD is an NGO which enables women and girls to empower themselves through access to social and economic resources. It works across the dividing lines of age, ethnicity, class, politics, and religion.
“In recognition of collaborative support, celebration, and unwavering dedication, the European Union is honoured to acknowledge the 2023 European Union Delegation Human Rights Award to the organization, Women Across Differences,” Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation, Joan Nadal-Sastre, said yesterday as he also highlighted the impactful works done by civil society here in championing human rights interests in this country.
“Giving civil society a human rights award is an important way to recognize and celebrate the valuable contributions and achievements of individuals, groups, or organizations in promoting and protecting human rights. Civil society plays a crucial role in advocating for justice, equality, and freedom, often working tirelessly to challenge oppressive systems, fight discrimination, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities,” he expressed.
The Head of Cooperation of the EU delegation explained that giving the award to WAD, was its way of acknowledging their dedication and courage in advancing human rights causes.
“This recognition not only motivates and inspires others to join the struggle for human rights but also helps to raise public awareness about the importance of upholding and respecting these fundamental rights. Additionally, awarding civil society can serve as a reminder to governments and institutions to uphold their obligations to respect human rights and support civil society in their vital work”, he said.
The award, he noted, is not just a recognition, but a tangible reaffirmation of the body’s commitment to building a world founded on respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
“Let us use this occasion not only to applaud this year’s recipient but also to express appreciation for the civil society organizations here in Guyana whose commitment to advancing human rights within our local communities are truly commendable. Whether it’s advocating for social justice, promoting inclusivity, or championing the rights of the marginalized, your organizations play a vital role in shaping a fair and equitable society,” he said.
Accepting the award yesterday was Coordinator of WAD, Clonel Samuels-Boston, who has been working with the organisation for over two decades.
Samuels-Boston shared that she started her journey at WAD over two decades ago, noting that while the thematic areas of the organisation have grown and evolved during this time, the umbrella focus of women and girls’ empowerment remains the same.
“The journey has not always been a smooth one, but it has always been a very fulfilling and rewarding one. It came with its challenges but lots of success and I see those successes every day through the transformation and the differences made in the lives of our beneficiaries’ women and girls most specifically, adolescent mothers.”
Many persons have often asked her why much of WAD’s focus has been on adolescent mothers and she reasoned that the answer was because this group, in particular, face challenges arising from their stage of development to pregnancy and motherhood.
“Most of the girls we work with are from single-parent families, many of whom were sexually abused during childhood and were involved in abusive intimate relationships and suffer from characteristics associated with low self-esteem. In this regard, Women Across Differences remains committed to achieving greater gender equality and equity by empowering our women and girls. The Comprehensive Empowerment programme for adolescent mothers and girls is the signature programme for the organisation and one that is very close to my heart, because at the core of its design it’s about adolescents’ rights, women’s rights, and ultimately giving a girl another chance in her life. This is also a human rights matter that must be addressed. When women and girls’ rights are violated, they are unable to enjoy the full complement of their lives,” she stressed.
My passion
“My passion is to continue to invest my knowledge, my skills, commitment, my time, my love; in making a difference in the lives of women and girls, some of whom are here today. Lucky for me and WAD, I am not alone on this journey! We have great partners and I have a great team,” she added.
The WAD Coordinator said that the acceptance of the award comes with great honour and humility, as she thanked the Delegation of the European Union for their recognition.
But most of the work, and the reason for the success of the organisation, she shared, is because of WAD’s team, which includes, but are not limited to the staff, members of Board of Directors, volunteers, donors, and the supporting public which has cheered them on over the years.
Singled out were the young moms. “Most of all, my beautiful, strong and empowered adolescent mothers and girls who allowed us to be a part of their lives. Together we worked and overcame the core issues and challenges which have become milestones for us today.” Boston-Samuels remarked.
To date, the organisation has worked directly with over 675 adolescent mothers and girls. “This in itself gives me great job satisfaction and I dedicate this award to all of our girls,” she said, holding up the award to the cheers of attendees, which included some of the girls who came with their babies.
She noted that in a changing economy where there are shifting priorities, the award adds encouragement and lifts WAD’s enthusiasm to continue to achieve its goals.
Some of the adolescents present shared emotional experiences, which included sexual and other forms of abuse, even by family members, in some instances. But it is through the work and support of WAD, they said, that they have been able to live though the traumas and empowered themselves in ways that they are independently able to care for their families.
The EU notes that at its heart, “lies a shared determination to promote peace, stability, and, above all, human rights. Human rights are not abstract concepts; they are woven into the fabric of our day-to-day lives. It is a universal truth that transcends borders, cultures, and opinions.”
