Ms. Apollonia Bola Talo, a prominent member of the National Council of Women, was yesterday announced a recipient of the US Secretary of States International Women of Courage Award.
Ms. Talo has worked with the Guadalcanal Council of Women since 1995, serving as president for eight years. She is a long-time member of the National Council of Women. Since 2003, she has served as a member of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee for Guadalcanal. She had also served on the Peace Monitoring Council from 2001 to 2003.The U.S. Embassy congratulates Ms. Talo on her selection as a part of an important group, International Women of Courage.
As U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice noted, "women of courage are standing up for freedom and human dignity, and the United States stands with them. We must not forget that the advance of women's rights and the advance of human liberty go hand in hand."
Ms Talo continues to work in women's and children's affairs, to promote peace and human rights, and to advise women on their rights in areas of domestic violence, sexual abuse and child abuse. Ms Talo is also actively engaged in the promotion of peace and reconciliation between the people of Malaita and Guadalcanal.
Ms Talo will be officially presented with the award by the US Ambassador Leslie Rowe at the University of the South Pacific's (SI campus) Lecture Theatre on Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 5:00 P.M.