DR BETTY Pilisa Lovai was honored as the 2010 Papua New Guinea Winner of the Secretary’s Award for International Women of Courage.

Dame Carol Kidu also spoke at the event.

United States Ambassador Teddy Taylor presented the award to Dr. Lovai at a special awards ceremony held at the Embassy.

The award recognizes Dr Lovai for her exceptional courage and leadership as an advocate in the fight for human rights and gender equality, and against HIV/AIDS in Papua New Guinea.

“We are very honored to present this award to Dr. Lovai for her incredible commitment to making Papua New Guinea a better, safer, more equitable society,” said Ambassador Taylor.

“She has been a tireless campaigner in the fight to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS in Papua New Guinea.

“There are a lot of people out there who have been touched by her dedication and sacrifice. Today, we say: ‘Thank you Dr. Lovai.’”

“I thank the U.S. embassy and government for giving me this award,” said Dr. Lovai.

“While I am the one getting this award, there are many other silent achievers, who are passionate about women’s advancement in Papua New Guinea.”

In particular, she thanked the “male champions,” who have played a major role in her life: her late father who ensured that she got an education.

“Father’s dedication to their daughters’ education is crucial to supporting women and where they go in life, because it has happened to me.”

Fathers, she added, can change the “negative perception” of women in society.

She also thanked her three sons.

“They have been very much a part of my professional life and they have been there for me; they support what I do,” she said.

“They have not complained so far,” she added to laughter.

She pointed to the University of Papua New Guinea where academics are allowed to get involved in activities outside the university.

“They encourage academic participation in public sector, private public, civil society and communities.”

The government of Papua New Guinea, she said, has also been very supportive as well as the PNG Sustainable Development Program Co.

According to Ambassador Taylor, the U.S. Embassy has as key objectives the development of women and reduction in gender-based violence.

“If women are not allowed to develop to their full potential, then society, itself, will not be able to do so.

“Women are key to providing an education to the next generation and this is at the cornerstone of successful political, economic and social development,” he said.

The U.S., said Ambassador Taylor, provides nearly US$3 million in annual funding to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

“We recognise that HIV/AIDS has placed a heavy toll on the citizens of Papua New Guinea,” said Ambassador Taylor.

“We want to do everything that we can to ensure that not one more life is lost to the disease, which not one more family has to suffer due to a loved one becoming infected.”

The International Women of Courage program was established in 2007.

Department of State Secretary Hilary Clinton asserted how proud she was to honor women around the world who are blazing trails and surmounting obstacles in pursuit of equality and opportunity.

She stated that “although you may not know their names or recognise their faces, these women advocates are hard at work in every country and on every continent, seeking to fulfill their right to participate fully in the political, economic and cultural lives of their societies.

“Often working against great odds and at great personal sacrifice, they are a key to global progress in this new century and deserve our admiration and support.”

Honorable Dame Carol Kidu, Minister for Community Development, Women and Sports was honored in 2007, Ms. Helen Samilo, HIV/AIDS advocate in 2008 and Sister Lorraine Garasu for helping women and children before and after the Bougainville conflict in 2009.

Source: Solomon Star, 6 April 2010