Amy Goldman (left) and Sister Carol
GHR recently partnered with Global Minnesota to host a reception attended by 150 guests honoring two extraordinary women—Sister Carolin Tahhan Fachakh (Sister Carol) of Syria and Jannat Al Ghezi of Iraq. Sister Carol and Jannat are both recipients of the 2017 Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage award. Each year, this prestigious award recognizes women who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for human rights and women's empowerment, often at great personal risk.
Born in Aleppo, Syria, Sister Carol has remained in Damascus throughout the war. She was nominated by the Vatican for her ongoing service to refugee communities and children. The nursery school she runs provides a safe and friendly environment for more than 200 children, and a tailoring workshop she manages economically empowers women who have been internally displaced by the war. Jannat is the deputy director of the Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq, and her organization has helped more than 500 victims of rape and domestic abuse by offering shelter, education, legal services and practical skill training.
GHR had the honor of meeting these incredible women of courage, and introducing Sister Carol, whose work has special importance to the foundation. GHR’s Sister Support Initiative is rooted in the fact that Catholic sisters are on the front line of every tough issue in the world, and Sister Carol is living proof if this. The world is enriched by the faith, dedication and service of Sister Carol, Jannat and sisters around the world facing great risks on a daily basis. To learn more about how GHR is working with Catholic sisters to restore communities and build peace, contact us.
Born in Aleppo, Syria, Sister Carol has remained in Damascus throughout the war. She was nominated by the Vatican for her ongoing service to refugee communities and children. The nursery school she runs provides a safe and friendly environment for more than 200 children, and a tailoring workshop she manages economically empowers women who have been internally displaced by the war. Jannat is the deputy director of the Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq, and her organization has helped more than 500 victims of rape and domestic abuse by offering shelter, education, legal services and practical skill training.
GHR had the honor of meeting these incredible women of courage, and introducing Sister Carol, whose work has special importance to the foundation. GHR’s Sister Support Initiative is rooted in the fact that Catholic sisters are on the front line of every tough issue in the world, and Sister Carol is living proof if this. The world is enriched by the faith, dedication and service of Sister Carol, Jannat and sisters around the world facing great risks on a daily basis. To learn more about how GHR is working with Catholic sisters to restore communities and build peace, contact us.