U.S. Embassy and Consulate Recognize Woman of Courage Sabiha Suleiman

March 13, 2009 | Thessaloniki

On Thursday, March 12, 2009, the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Consulate General in Thessaloniki honored Ms. Sabiha Suleiman, nominee for the International Woman of Courage Award 2009 of the Department of State, for her success and long-standing commitment to advancing the cause of the Roma community in Thrace.   

U.S. Ambassador Daniel V. Speckhard recognized Ms. Suleiman via digital video conference from Athens for her contributions, personal sacrifice, vision and courage.  The Ambassador noted that every year the U.S. State Department honors special women around the world who are working to promote democracy, human rights, equality and the rule of law, women who make a difference through their leadership, their ideas and their willingness to speak up and act despite difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions. 

Dr. Stelios Skias, President of the “Cultural and Developmental Center of Thrace” and Mrs. Tzeni Katsari-Vafiadi, Publisher-Editor of “Paratiritis of Thrace” noted that Ms. Suleiman’s initiatives have contributed to the greater levels of integration of her community’s and especially of Roma children’s participation in the school system, as well as their access to information and services.