UPDATED: 16 Jan 2008 GMT
Speeches 2007
Opening Ceremony of AWA Women Economic Empowerment for Peace Promotion
Venue: Pemba, Zanzibar
February 27, 2007
Remarks by the U.S. Ambassador Michael L. Retzer
It is a pleasure to be here with you this morning. Before we formally kick off the opening ceremony of this important workshop, I would like to personally thank the President of the Advocacy for Women in Africa (AWA), the Honorable Dr. Gertrude Mongella. Madame, hats off to you on organizing this special conference.
I would also like to thank the members of the AWA for inviting me to officially open this workshop on Women Economic Empowerment for Peace Promotion. This meeting is an excellent model of the joint efforts being undertaken for the promotion of peace here on Pemba.
Pemba island has a long and rich history. You, the women and mothers of Pemba, know well that economic prosperity is built on mutual understanding and cooperation. Politically, we don't always agree. Nor do we have to.
But we can all agree that we should strive to create economic ties and work toward our common goal of reducing poverty. This workshop is a step to provide both a vision and the practical means necessary to build a plan for economic power and growth.
I would like to recognize the leadership of the Advocacy for Women in Africa (AWA) and the organization's president, for taking the initiative to conduct this workshop and for allowing the U.S. Embassy to support this effort with funding from the Democracy and Human Rights Fund. Through this workshop, the AWA and its members are providing a great service to the larger community of Pemba.
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 program was developed seven years ago to support the process of democratization in Africa.
From Arusha to Zanzibar, DHRF grants have contributed to indigenous organizations for focused, high-impact democracy-related activities. DHRF is just one of the U.S. Government's programs – but a very visible one – which demonstrates the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to community development and goodwill towards the people of Tanzania.
I am proud the U.S. Government is providing 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.
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 am assured of this workshop's success. Ambassador Mongella reminds me each time I meet her, that the women of Tanzania are committed to peace promotion for their families, their communities, and for their entire nation.
On behalf of the U.S. Embassy and the American people, I would like to congratulate you and wish you a most fruitful workshop.
Villagers, I wish you good health.
Thank you and God bless you.
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