NICARAGUA: NAMES OF TOP INFLUENTIAL WOMEN

UNCLAS MANAGUA 000296 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR S/WE SMEHRA AND GLANE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL NU SUBJECT: NICARAGUA: NAMES OF TOP INFLUENTIAL WOMEN REF: A. 06 STATE 178055 ¶B. 07 MANAGUA 00225 ¶C. 07 MANAGUA 00181 ¶1. The following is in response to reftel A request for Nicaragua's top five most influential women representing government, politics, civil society, private sector, and media. We have also provided the names of other women who are making an impact on Nicaraguan society and could be of interest as post strengthens our own women's network that will contribute to the Secretary's continuing efforts to plan follow-on strategy sessions on women's empowerment with governments and civil society. GOVERNMENT, POLITICS, SOCIETY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶2. Rosario Murillo First Lady of Nicaragua. Appointed by President Daniel Ortega to serve as the country's Director of Communications and Citizenry, was Ortega's campaign manager, and is a key influence with the FSLN Party (reftel B). Constado de Oeste del Parque El Carmen Phone: (505) 266-3791/268-6686 (Comment: Regarded as the most influential woman in Nicaragua by supporters and detractors alike. Named as one of the top "Women of Impact in 2006" by the pro-business/political news daily Bolsa de Noticias.) GOVERNMENT, LAW ENFORCEMENT, SECURITY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶3. Aminta Granera Sacasa Chief of Nicaraguan National Police Plaza El Sol Managua, Nicaragua Phone: (505)277-0106/277-0050 email: agranera@policia.gob.ni (Comment: The second woman to rise to the highest ranks of the national police, has taken strong position against crime, narcotics trafficking, and organized crime. Named as one of top "Women of Impact in 2006" by Bolsa de Noticias)) POLITICS - - - - - ¶4. Maria Eugenia Sequeira Deputy to the National Assembly, Nicaraguan Liberal Alliance (ALN) Party ALN-Contigua a Controlaria de la Republica Managua, Nicaragua Phone: (505)279-1321 e-mail: mesequeira@yahoo.com (Comment: An outspoken and active member of the National Assembly reelected in November 2006, and serves as head of ALN caucus (reftel C). From 2002-2006, she served on the National Assembly as member of the Liberal Constitutional Party (PLC). Named as one of top "Women of Impact in 2006" by Bolsa de Noticias) MEDIA, POLITICS, CIVIL SOCIETY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
 ¶5. Cristiana Chamorro Journalist and Head of the Violeta Barrios de Chamorro Foundation Plaza Espana, Edificio Malaga, Modulo B-9 Managua, Nicaragua phone: (505)268-6500 (Comment: The Chamorro Foundation is a pro-democracy organization dedicated to promoting press freedom. It is also involved in civil society programs, including gender initiatives. Ms. Chamorro, daughter of former President Violeta Chamorro, is highly regarded and well-known in political and media circles.) PRIVATE SECTOR, CIVIL SOCIETY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶6. Vivian Pellas President and Founder of the Association for the Protection of Child Burn Victims (APROQUEN),an organization dedicated to providing free burn care for children Camino de Oriente, Modulo J-7 Managua, Nicaragua Phone: (505) 270-1220 (Comment: Received national acclaim as philanthropist and advocate for children.) OTHER INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF INTEREST AND IMPACT - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - We also suggest the following names for consideration: ¶7. Ruth Herrera Executive President of the autonomous institute Water and Sewage Services Enterprise (ENACAL) KM 5, Carretera Sur Managua, Nicaragua (505) 266-7896 (Comment: Served as former Coordinator of the National Consumers' Defense Network (RNDC),named as one of the top "Women of Impact in 2006" by Bolsa de Noticias) ¶8. Xiomara Chamorro Political Editor of leading daily La Prensa, co-anchor of Channel 2 morning program "Primera Plana" La Prensa KM 4.5 Carretera Norte Managua, Nicaragua Phone: (505)255-6769 ¶9. Azalia Aviles President of the Conservative Party (PC) Costado Sur, Antigua Galeria Internacional Managua, Nicaragua (Comment: First woman president of the PC. Named as one of the top "Women of Impact in 2006" by Bolsa de Noticias.) ¶10. Lucy Valenti Head of Nicaraguan Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) Reparto Los Robles 2do Piso Edificio Camara Espanola Managua, Nicaragua Phone: (505)268-6500 ¶11. Maria Nelly Rivas Phone: (505) 883-9900 (Comment: Former Executive Director for the Institute of Tourism, one of the youngest government officials to serve in this type of leadership capacity, and made an important impact in bringing international attention to Nicaragua's tourism industry during her term in this position. Named as one of the top "Women of Impact in 2006" by Bolsa de Noticias) ¶12. Poloff Irene Marr handles post's Women's Issues portfolio. Ms. Marr can be reached at (505) 266-6010 x4308, marrif@state.gov TRIVELLI