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Press Release
U.S. Ambassador officiates at AWA workshop in Pemba
February 27, 2007
U.S. Ambassador Michael L. Retzer today, February 27, 2007, officiated the opening of the Advocacy for Women in Africa (AWA) Women Economic Empowerment Programme workshop for Peace Promotion in Pemba. The workshop runs from February 27 to March 4, 2007.
In his remarks, Ambassador Retzer said he was proud the U.S. Government was able to provide assistance towards achieving the goals of this conference. “The aim of this workshop is quite simple, yet, vitally important. Together with the women of Pemba, the AWA hopes to build the foundation necessary to eradicate poverty through economic development,” Ambassador Retzer said.
He said that through this workshop, participants will gain valuable experience in economic empowerment, strengthen their decision-making skills, and become engaged in the promotion of peace, which will lead to further economic development.
“I would like to take just a moment to share more information with you on the U.S. Embassy's Democracy and Human Rights Fund (DHRF). The DHRF, as it is known, enjoys a successful history of cooperation with Tanzanian communities. This unique outreach programme was developed seven years ago to support the process of democratization in Africa,” Ambassador Retzer said.
AWA received funding last year from the Embassy’s DHRF for conducting this workshop for Pemba women from different political parties to bridge their differences and build skills in planning, advocacy and decision making.
President of AWA and President of the Pan African Parliament Ambassador Getrude Mongella delivered the keynote speech at the workshop. AWA has for the past 10 years worked for women in different parts of Africa on peace promotion through women economic empowerment. AWA’s experience through such activities shows that economic empowerment of women gives economic base for poverty reduction leading to peace development.
AWA has experience in the area of peace development in promoting economic development. AWA’s experience gained by peace promotion development shows there is close correlation between the economic empowerment, decision-making, and social participation of women to peace promotion and general economic development at all levels. Women are committed to peace promotion within the community, family, and the nation. It is the intention of AWA to continue promoting peace through women economic empowerment programmes.