International Women of Courage Award 2010

From Newsroom Panama:

Panama’s most highly educated indigenous woman Toribia Venado Venado nominated for the U.S. Secretary of State’s 2010 International Women of Courage Award, was officially recognized in Panama this week (ending April 2).

In honor of Women’s History Month, the U.S. Ambassador to Panama, Phyllis Powers, hosted a reception at the Ambassador’s residence.

The State Department issues the award each year to women from around the world who make outstanding sacrifices to advance human rights, particularly women’s rights, and to help protect those who are vulnerable.

Toribia Venado Venado is currently the Assistant Director of the National Institute of Women. one of the most senior government positions ever held in Panama by an indigenous woman.

Women in Panama

From The State:
"Panama's ruling party has chosen a female former Cabinet minister as its presidential candidate for elections in May, party officials said Monday.

If Balbina Herrera wins, she would be the country's second female president, following Mireya Moscoso, widow of former President Arnulfo Arias, who was elected in 1999.

Herrera, a 53-year-old former housing minister under current President Martin Torrijos, defeated Panama City Mayor Juan Carlos Navarro in the Democratic Revolutionary Party primary held Sunday.

Under Panama's law, presidents can only serve one term."