The region
of Valle d'Aosta in north of Italy instituted an award for "Women
of the year" in 2002. At he same time, Italian national group of
International Soroptimist Association (an association of women leaders)
gives "Soroptimist Women of the Year award".
On 1
December 2006 in a ceremony in Saint Vincent the Valle d'Aosta Woman of
the Year award was given to Ms. Natty Petrosino from Argentina for her
work for homeless persons, street children and especially for Amerindian
population groups. At the ceremony the two finalists for this award, Dr Noorjehan Abdul Magid from
Mozambique, for her work with
HIV/AIDS affected persons in central hospital of Maputo, and, Ms. Lina
Zinov'evna Saltykova from Russia for her work with homeless persons, were also
present.
At the
same time, the annual Soroptimist Woman of the year award 2006 was given
to Ms. Sarmila Shrestha from the Nepalese non-governmental organisation
WATCH-Nepal (Women Acting Together for CHange) for
her grassroot activism with marginalised women groups in Nepal. Her
nomination was presented by Italian Association Amici di Raoul Follereau
(AIFO).
AIFO has
been collaborating with WATCH Nepal since its foundation in 1992.
Heartiest congratulations from all the AIFO staff, groups and Board of
Directors to Sarmila for the Soroptimist award.
A few
pictures from the award ceremony are presented here.
