Women of Courage Award Ceremony

Mwayuma Kasende, Madam Efinole and Ambassador Entwistle

The Second Annual Woman of Courage Award was given to Efinolé Yelika of Kinshasa during a ceremony on March 31, 2011.  The event, which closed out the U.S. Embassy to the DRC’s Women’s History Month activities, was attended by nearly 500 people, and broadcast live on national television.   Following opening remarks by Ambassador James F. Entwistle, his wife, Ms. Pamela Schmoll, spoke on behalf of the Embassy, saying : “Tonight we are honoring one Congolese Woman of Courage, but for me this award honors every Congolese woman who has overcome tremendous challenges to make her world a better place.”  During the ceremony, the National Ballet performed the original dance work “Dunia,” created with U.S. Cultural Envoy Carmen Nicole.  Ms. Yelika, who was stricken by polio at a young age, established several training centers and a health clinic for disabled persons