The Centre for Gender and Development Studies, Mona Unit, marks 2009 International Women’s Day Celebrations on Thursday March 5, 2009, with a lecture at 5 pm at the Multifunctional Room of the Main Library. “Honouring the Past, Celebrating Women, Embracing Gender Equality: The Legacy of Ambassador Angela King” is the titled of the lecture.

Ambassador Patricia Durrant, former UN Ambassador will deliver the lecture. A career diplomat since 1971, she was appointed by Secretary-General Kofi Annan, in April 2002 as the first United Nations Ombudsman. In 1992, Ms. Durrant was awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (C.D.) and in 2000 the Order of Jamaica (O.J.) for services to Jamaica in the field of international affairs. In 1998, on the occasion of the University’s fiftieth anniversary, she was honoured by The University of the West Indies as one of its Distinguished Graduates and in 2005 bestowed with Degree of Doctor of Laws (honoris causa).

Ambassador Angela King served the United Nations and Jamaica with distinction during her 40-year career as a diplomat, and served as United Nations Assistant Secretary General and Special Adviser on Gender Issues and the Advancement of Women from 1997 until her retirement in April 2004. She was a pioneer woman diplomat who paved the way for the many Jamaican women who now represent the country as Ambassadors.  As an activist for the advancement of women in the UN Secretariat she established and chaired several strategic Committees which promoted gender equality and the status of women.

This event launches the collection of her books and papers making them available for consultation, and research by the public.  

This year’s theme is in keeping with the spirit of raising the status of our women and girls and the recognition that women’s rights and their invaluable contribution to every sphere of national development. The Lecture is also an occasion to pay tribute to special pioneers and recognize the contribution.

The university community is invited. For more information please telephone 977 7365.