HerStory of pain and triumph translates to community leadership
WFWP NJ accords 1st HerStory Awards to NJ Women Leaders
By Marivir R. Montebon
New York - It felt special to be accorded a HerStory Award by the global nonprofit Women’s Federation for World Peace on March 25, 2023, at the Peterstown Community Center in Elizabeth, New Jersey. It was a rainy Saturday. But as they say, rain is a blessing.
I was with four other awardees, whose works “stood out as exemplary of a life lived for the sake of others.” I thought it was intimidating to be put in the spotlight. But the word HerStory alone was big for me. Finally in my mind, HerStory, and not just history, has arrived.
The awardees (L-R) Sheila Casey for Josephine’s Place: A space for women; Priscilla Garces, Kamlu Gulrajani; WFWP Elizabeth chairperson Christine Rapada; Ritu Chopra; Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage; Estrella Cash; this writer MM; WFWP US vice president Katarina Connery, and program host Sasha Okon.
The awardees were a film director, journalist, climate and disability activist, and a cultural worker. Each had deep experiences of transcending pain and embracing leadership - author and film director Ritu Chopra; climate reality and disability activist Priscilla Garces; Kamlu Gulrajani of the Seva Kendra Indian cultural organization; Estrella Cash of Cash Financial Resources; and one nonprofit, Josephine’s Place: A space for women which was represented by its executive director Sheila Casey.
The HerStory Awards was created by WFWP New Jersey to uplift, encourage, and recognize the many unsung heroes in communities who prove that even with very little, women can and do accomplish extraordinary things in the pursuit of peace. 2023 is its debut year in the leadership of WFWP vice president Katarina Connery and Elizabeth chairperson Christine Rapada.
WFWP was founded in 1992 in the Republic of Korea and has expanded to over 100 countries. In 1997, it was granted General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage attended this first HerStory Awards, as well as Elizabeth Assemblywoman-at-large Patricia Perkins-Auguste and NJ State Assemblyman Reginald Atkins.
“We would be honored to recognize you for your commitment to bringing a positive voice and perspective to the media. We applaud you for your life filled with love and compassion,” said Katarina Connery in her invitation.
Katarina Connery, WFWP US vice president
After receiving an elegant token of diamond-shaped crystal that reflects natural light, we awardees were asked to share our personal story and lessons learned from our work.
“How you have overcome challenges and the wisdom gained in your life to now use your gifts to help others,” was a deep question, which, for me, had horrifying answers.
Climate reality and disability activist Priscilla Garces was quick to say she sees a silver lining to every tragedy and misery. She became blind as a young child but has nonetheless finished higher education in braille. She took on the issues of climate and persons with disabilities to the halls of legislature and public spheres.
Priscilla Garces
Ritu Chopra acknowledges her father as her mentor for persistence and leadership.
Giving back to community one’s blessings and helping women in distress, that’s what Estrella Cash does (middle). In photo with Christine Rapada (left) and Katarina Connery.
Kamlu Gulrajani
Kamlu Gulrajani, a political refugee, eloquently said, “Life is not fair. We are discouraged. But life’s brutality does not give you the license to be mean or unkind.”
Excerpts of my HerStory narrative:
“Thank you, WFWP. EJ, Christine, twin Merly, media colleagues Cristina and Rene, thank you for the support.
OSM! Online Magazine was established in 2012 when the internet began to be felt. It was well timed; my daughter Leani Alnica, or Nikki, was taking up Media Technology. We veered away from the media culture of what is bad is news.
In the Filipino community, we featured stories of triumph and achievements. It clicked. We’re a community media in New York and New Jersey, but we also became global because of the internet – being able to connect with the motherland Philippines.
Marivir Montebon
As a journalist – especially during the time of disinformation, being bound to our ethics on truth and accuracy has never been more challenging. I’ve always been inspired by people’s stories.
Now let me share with you my horrible story.
“I came to the US as one seeking political asylum when my husband was killed in the 2007 elections. I used to come here on a visitors visa to visit my mom and grandma. I share this considering that there are so many asylum seekers now and it is difficult.
In 2007, my husband was murdered. Political killings in the time of elections are common in the Philippines.
My marriage wasn’t good. I was a battered wife; it was hard to forgive and let go of the hurt. But looking at what had happened to my husband, I had to. How do you forgive when you still have so much hurt? Forgiveness is difficult but important to move on.
It was tough being interviewed by the asylum officer, one hour and five minutes was emotionally grueling. But I passed it.
My daughter joined me in 2009. We were happy. In 2019, I lost Nikki to colon cancer. She was 27. It was the most painful thing that happened to me as a mother. Nothing compares to the pain of losing one’s child. Your child is with you in your womb as first environment. It was scary and wonderful too. I watched her grow, and then wither, not wanting to eat, losing weight, dying in your arms.
All throughout these sharp curves in my life, I have been writing and writing gives me a clear perspective of understanding things. Realizing what I could have done, not done, remembering, hanging on to faith. Writing is always about truth-telling, to self and others.
Salute to the women in my life. My great grandmother, an impeccable housekeeper who could not read or write. But whose humble life produced six children, and now we are 96 great grandchildren.
My mother, for the discipline she has taught me. My grandmother, for her abundant love and wisdom. Nikki, who’s my strength. I talk to her every day. And yes, I do still rant why she left so early on. But that’s God’s will.
I’d like to thank Katarina for organizing this event. Thank you all.” # (Photos by WFWP and Merly Barlaan)
WFWP Youth dancers, future leaders
There was so much energy there!
WFWP’s HerStory Awards at Peterstown Community Center
