RIFKA ZIYARD
COLOMBO : On International Women’s day, Colombo Times spoke to Ms Ranitha Gnanarajah who is among the recipients of 2021 International Women of Courage Award (IWOC) bestowed by the United States Secretary of State. The U.S. Department of State on Thursday (March 04) announced the list of award recipients from around the world, including seven women leaders and activists from Afghanistan who were assassinated for their dedication to improving the lives of their fellow citizens.
Ms Ranitha Gnanarajah is an Attorney at Law and Head of the Legal Department of the Center for Human Rights and Development (CHRD). She began her career as Attorney-at-Law at the Home for Human Rights (HHR) in 2006. She continues to fight for and defend the rights of the marginalized and vulnerable communities in the country.
Ms. Gnanarajah imparts her advice to young female lawyers in Sri Lanka on being successful in the field of Law, “Plan your goal and work towards your goal. Challenges will come and cross in while you are travelling towards the goal. But don’t give up. Face the challenges, change, the challenges as your steps and achieve your goal”.
Ms. Gnanarajah also shared her message to women world over on this International Women’s Day, “I always follow in my life is “I don’t wait for your chance to come and for my rights. I work toward my goal and if I don’t get it, I fight for it”. That will give a lifetime satisfaction and strength to work more in your profession. So be brave and wise to take decisions which will make your life meaningful”.
The U.S. State Department has notified the virtual ceremony of the annual IWOC Awards to honour extraordinary women from all over the world will be hosted by Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken on Monday (March 08).The First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden is expected to deliver remarks to recognize the courageous accomplishments of the awardees. From the inception of this award in March 2007 to today, the U.S. Department of State has recognized more than 155 awardees from over 75 countries.
