Monique Essed-Fernandes

Monique Essed-Fernandes (Suriname) "has been active in social development and politics for the past twenty years. She is the founder of the Women's Parliament Forum, an organization focusing on women’s political participation, as well as an NGO focusing on women and development. Ms. Essed-Fernandes is also the founder of a political party in Suriname, and was recently the first woman to be nominated for the presidency of Suriname. She currently serves as a policy advisor on planning and development cooperation for the government of Suriname."

• Director, Women's Environment and Development Organization