The New Times features writer, Gloria Iribagiza, was yesterday awarded by the White Ribbon Alliance (WRA) for her role in campaigning for safe motherhood.

The awards were announced during the Women Inspiration & Enterprise (WIE) symposium in New York.

According to the White Ribbon Alliance, Iribagiza was awarded with ‘WRA Voices Awards 2011’ for ‘her ground breaking and inspirational journalism, making the voices of women heard around the world.’

According to Kristin Savard, the Program Development & Strategy Coordinator, WRA Global Secretariat, Iribagiza was recognised for the incredible and consistent reporting on women-related issues.

Iribagiza was awarded in absentia.

"WRA and the hosts of the WIE Symposium would like to recognise you with a special award at this year’s event,” Savard said in an email.

Iribagiza pointed out that "We can all play our part in our various professions to make child birth safe for all mothers most especially those in rural areas.

"Safe motherhood is a social responsibility because it affects everyone. Women are our mothers, sisters, daughters and wives. Their health affects everybody,” she added.

Iribagiza was among ten inspirational award winners in different categories.

Rwanda has already been honoured for her leading role in reducing maternal and child mortality rates.

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