On November 23rd, 2019, UNANIMA International’s annual Woman of Courage Award Ceremony was held at a community of the Daughters of Wisdom in Madagascar. The Ceremony was held in celebration of UNANIMA International’s 2020 Woman of Courage recipient Sr Seraphine Ratavy, DW. Having travelled to Madagascar for the award and a presentation on UNANIMA International, Executive Director Jean Quinn had the pleasure of presenting Sr. Seraphine with her award.
Sr Seraphine Ratavy, DW was nominated as the Woman of Courage 2020 for her many and important contributions made during her mission in Nomad, Papua New Guinea, which is in the remotest part of Daru-Kiunga and only accessible by small plane. During her time in Papua New Guinea, Seraphine used her agricultural skills to work with women close to the main station, as well as setting up a women’s club at which she taught sewing, and trained young women to help her. As she became established, her outreach increased to the surrounding villages, which were very isolated. Eventually she found the small Gebusi Tribe, living a few hours walk and a canoe ride from Nomad. These people became the focus for Sr. Seraphine in this area, and she worked with the men and women in all fields of learning. A worthy recipient of the Woman of Courage award, Sr Seraphine was unassuming and humble in her acceptance.
UNANIMA International was extremely pleased to present this annual award to Sr Seraphine, who in her ministry and personal life embodies the qualities which we believe are essential for the advancement of women everywhere: solidarity, and a passion for human rights and the poor. During the presentation the Executive Director noted UNANIMA International’s admiration of Sr. Seraphine’s outreach and the lengths she went to to work with even the most isolated communities, what we often refer to at the United Nations as the “furthest left behind”. She congratulated Seraphine on her courageous work and thanked her deeply for her commitment to UNANIMA International’s values.
Filled with dancing, singing, and drums, the joyous occasion was truly one which touched the hearts of all its attendees. Among the attendees were Sr Seraphine’s community, family members and Daughters of Wisdom leadership from all around the world. Sr. Cathy Sheehan, DW, one of UNANIMA International’s Board of Directors, and Daughter of Wisdom Member of Congregational Leadership Team,Sr Isabelle Retailleau DW, were among the many Daughters of Wisdom in attendance. Here are a few words on their experiences:
“I was blessed to be gathered with the General Leadership Team and Entity Leaders of the Daughters of Wisdom this past November in Madagascar. A high point of our time together was the celebration and presentation of the Woman of Courage Award to Daughter of Wisdom, Sr. Seraphine Ratavy. We gathered with the Sisters of the Province of Madagascar and Sr. Seraphine’s family for the presentation by Sr. Jean Quinn. I was so touched by the love and admiration those gathered had for Sr. Seraphine and the important work she accomplished in Papua New Guinea. The celebration was joyous and captured so beautifully the culture of Sr. Seraphine’s country of Madagascar. We prayed, we listened, we sang and we feasted!” – Sr Cathy Sheehan, DW
Through the presentation of the award to Sr. Seraphine by Sr. Jean Quinn, we were proud of the way she assumed the mission with much courage and commitment. During the celebration, this joy was expressed with such energy and love and we were so happy to see that such commitment and courage for the mission are acknowledged. Through appreciating the involvement of our Sister to bring these peoples to take charge of their destiny, the mission of the Congregation and of all the Daughters of Wisdom with the poor and the needy of our world is celebrated.
– Sr Isabelle Retailleau, DW
