The ten international women recipients of the Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund (MMMF) scholarships for academic study in the United States or Canada traveled from their universities to Washington, DC in May 2009 – where they were hosted by MMMF and WBFN volunteers - to participate in events designed to introduce them and their work to the World Bank and WBFN community. Their individual biographies can be found online at the MMMF website – www.mmmf-grants.org - along with the seven candidates from the Overseas Scholarship Program in Africa, who were feted at a previous ceremony in South Africa.

May 18, the recipients presented their work and interests at a forum in the World Bank, which was attended by over 150 people from the Bank staff and family community as well as distinguished guests from several embassies and NGO’s.

Opening remarks were given by Dr. Otaviano Canuto, World Bank Vice-President, PREM, on the importance of a renewed emphasis on the role of women in economic development. Following his remarks, all ten recipients presented their remarks, followed by questions from the audience. The breadth and depth of their research and their persistence, in the face of many odds, with their academic, professional, and volunteer careers; their devotion to improving the lives of women and children in their home countries; and their inspiring life stories reinforced the vision of the women who first established the scholarship to honor the life of Margaret McNamara, then wife of the late Robert McNamara, former head of the World Bank.

Additionally, meetings took place with the Selection Committee and the Alumnae Committee to exchange information and to encourage continued communication between current and former recipients. Official photographs taken and paperwork completed, recipients continued to a reception at Pangea Artisan Market + Cultural Café, at the IFC, for Friends of MMMF, from the Bank staff, and other distinguished guests. Certificates of award were presented by Kathleen McNamara, daughter of Robert and Margaret McNamara, on behalf of the MMMF.

An evening dinner, featuring a video greeting from World Bank President Zoellick, introduced the recipients wearing national dress to the WBFN attendees, where they also learned about the role of volunteers in the World Bank Family Network. Recipients departed Washington with a renewed sense of support and purpose; all involved in the selection and management of the MMMF program were inspired by their potential and their successes. All recipient events were ably planned and coordinated by members of the MMMF Board.

The selection process is beginning again for the 2010 recipients for both the Overseas and US/Canada program. Anyone wishing to become involved in the MMMF by volunteering for fundraising, participating in selection, making donations, or serving in other capacities should contact the MMMF office (mmmf@worldbank.org). Donations can always be made to the MMMF in various forms, see the website – www.mmmf-grants.org - for more information.

Sarah Brau, MMMF Board member