M'SIAN BAR PRESIDENT TO RECEIVE US COURAGE AWARD

KUALA LUMPUR, March 7 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Bar president Ambiga
Sreenevasan has been named among the eight recipients of this year's
"International Women of Courage Award."

The award was established by the US Department of State.

According to the Press Office of the US Embassy here, Ambiga would receive
the award from US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington on Monday in
conjunction with International Women's Day.

It said Ambiga was selected "for championing the rule of law and for
advancing human rights, the status of women and religious tolerance in Malaysia.
"Ambiga Sreenevasan has emerged as a strong voice for tolerance and
justice, and has had a direct impact on judicial reform in Malaysia,
contributing to strengthening of the role of women in civil society."

Other recipients are Veronika Marchenko (Russia), Mutabar Tadjibayeva
(Uzbekistan), Hadjkjatou Mani (Niger), Reem Al-Numery (Yemen), Norma Cruz
(Guatemala), Suaad Abbas Salm (Iraq) and Wazhma Frogh (Afghanistan).

"The honorees are recognised for their outstanding contribution on
behalf of women and their societies, and for tackling such issues as domestic
violence, forced and child marriage, human trafficking; fighting corruption and
demanding government transparency; defending access to justice and the rule of
law; and safeguarding equal rights and opportunities for women," the Press
Office said.

-- BERNAMA