2008 Press Releases
Somalia: International Women of Courage Award Winner
March 14, 2008
Farihyio Farah Ibrahim, a Somali refugee living in northeast Kenya, was awarded the 2008 Secretary of State’s Award for International Women of Courage on March 10, 2008 in Washington, D.C. Ms. Ibrahim is one of eight winners of this prestigious award. In addition to an award ceremony hosted by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Ms. Ibrahim attended a ceremony at the White House hosted by President and Mrs. George W. Bush.
Ms. Ibrahim, a 25-year-old Somali refugee, was cited for her continuing fight for women’s rights and against female genital mutilation (FMG) and forced marriage in the Dadaab refugee camp in north-east Kenya. The isolation of this camp, where life is especially harsh for women, has further cut them off from the world and enforced their tradition subordinate role in conservative Somali society. Ms. Ibrahim’s most dangerous role has been as a campaigner for the elimination of female genital mutilation. At great personal risk and ostracized by her family and clan, she has resolutely advocated for women’s reproductive rights and safe practices. She is also a strong champion for secondary education for Somali youth.
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| Secretary Rice and Senior Coordinator Andrea Bottner, left, pose with recipients of the Second Annual International Women of Courage Awards at the State Department. Farhiyo Ibrahim Farah of Somalia is to the left of Secretary Rice.
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See other relevant links at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/pix/b/102070.htm
http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2008/03/102071.htm
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/03/20080310-5.html