Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield delivered remarks at the United States Institute of Peace Women Building Peace Award Ceremony. During her speech, she recognized the achievements of women from Kenya, Haiti, Syria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo who have made significant contributions to peacebuilding efforts.
"Marie-Marcelle, Abir, Pétronille, Hamisa, all four of you are inspirations to this entire room. And you’re certainly inspiration to the world," said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. She highlighted her personal experiences in various countries where she witnessed women's role in fostering peace and empowerment.
Reflecting on her time in Liberia during its post-civil war reconstruction, she spoke about President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's influence in empowering women across different societal sectors. "I watched as she empowered... market women, women in rural areas – people too often cut out of the decision-making processes that most affect them."
The ambassador also addressed ongoing global conflicts and their impact on women. She mentioned Ukraine and Sudan's conflict-related sexual violence issues; Gaza's crisis affecting women and girls; Israel's experiences during a terrorist attack; and challenges faced by finalists' home countries.
In Haiti, Kenya, Syria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield acknowledged specific challenges facing women due to violence and instability. She shared a poignant encounter with finalist Abir who prioritized discussing Gaza over Syria with her.
"This work is not just needed in Liberia," emphasized Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield while stressing women's vital role in resolving conflicts worldwide. She praised these four finalists for their courage despite difficult circumstances: "It’s dangerous. But it’s necessary."
As parting words to attendees including award nominees present that night: "Know that we support you at every single step," concluded Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield encouraging continued support towards empowering female changemakers globally for creating lasting peace together with prosperity benefiting everyone involved along each stage throughout this journey forward collectively united behind shared goals centered around elevating voices leading toward healing communities through service exemplifying true meaning behind serving others selflessly without hesitation or reservation whatsoever under any conditions encountered anywhere anytime ever imaginable always ultimately resulting eventually finally inevitably achieving desired outcomes intended originally planned initially envisioned beforehand clearly stated explicitly declared firmly established strongly advocated wholeheartedly endorsed passionately championed enthusiastically embraced fully committed dedicated devotedly pursued 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