abstract:In Vajrayana Buddhism, Pawo (Wylie: dpa' bo; literally "brave guy") is translated "hero" or "warrior". Depending on context, it can refer to the ideal of a Vajrayana practitioner; to living people (where it is sometimes used as an honorific or part of a name); to legendary or mythical figures from the past; or to purely spiritual beings.
The UNESCO Director-General, Irina Bokova expressed her pleasure to celebrate the 50th anniversary of PAWO at UNESCO Headquarters, in an event bringing together the two global priorities of UNESCO -- gender equality and Africa.
Dr. Dlamini-Zuma recalled the objectives of PAWO and the pioneering spirit of African women who founded it, many of whom took part in national liberation movements and other political and armed struggles, sometimes even at the highest price of their lives.