Mother turns tragedy into lifeline for others
Ryan honoured at Fatima Bint Mubarak Award for Motherhood and Childhood
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After her 15-year old daughter was stalked and killed by an online predator, Sonya Ryan overcame her grief to turn the girl’s death into a catalyst for change, to ensure that no child falls victim to cyber criminals and no other parent goes through the harrowing experience she did.
For her work, Ryan was yesterday honoured in Abu Dhabi as part of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Award for Motherhood and Childhood.
Launched by Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, the award aims to recognise efforts by individuals and organisations around the world towards protecting women and children.
Several officials attended the event, including Lt-Gen Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Shaikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
Ryan’s journey from grieving mother to activist started eight years ago when she founded the Carly Ryan Foundation in Australia, named after her daughter. The organisation is dedicated to raising awareness about online safety for young children as well as promoting legislation to ensure child protection policies are enshrined in law.
“My work began when I lost my daughter Carly... In that immense grief, I knew I had to do something to protect other children,” Ryan said.