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
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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