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Gilma Edith Ramjak
Biographical Info
Gilma Ramjak, left, 2019 awardee. Presented by Alejandra Muller, president of the UN Association of OKC.
Award ceremony introduction as made by Bill Bryant of United Nations Association of OKC:
Article 27 of the Universal Declaration reminds us that, “Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.”
In Oklahoma, where we live, we enjoy a diverse and vibrant cultural life. I think it is right and proper to recognize an Oklahoma woman who contributes to our culture – a woman who was recognized as “La Senora Fiestas de las America’s 2017-2018.”
Gilma Ramjak is not only a representative of cultural expression. She is also a fierce advocate of human rights for all people.
This is from Gilma’s nomination:
“Gilma wants to help women who have been mentally abused, because it is like slavery within one and nobody has the right to keep our people enslaved. Every person must be free in thought, will and expression. Similarly, with children they should not be discriminated against for any reason, race, color, sex. Gilma owns a Daycare, always wants to help children of any social reason, always willing to listen to them and help them, since there are families from different social fields. Every child must be protected….”
Nomination entry:
Gilma was born in Panama City, Panama and has lived in the United States for over 30 years – primarily in Oklahoma City for over 26 years. Gilma studied Business Administration at the University of Panama and used what she learned for future endeavors. Gilma worked as a stenographer for the Panamanian government, quality and control supervisor, operation manager, and eventually as an assistant teacher for Oklahoma Schools when she became a mother. She now owns her own successful daycare business that she has been running for the past 18 years.
Gilma has received The President’s Silver and Bronze volunteer awards. Gilma has also received a Citation of Congratulations from the Great State of Oklahoma for her work as “Senora Fiestas de las America’s 2017-2018.”
How does the nominee support human rights in Oklahoma?
Gilma always has as a thought that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights; they have the right to life, freedom and security; no one will be subjected to slavery or inhuman treatment; All are equal before the law; they cannot be banished; They have the right to give their opinions. She does not like classes to be divided since for her we are all equal, there is no race that distinguishes anyone. Both the rich and the poor are equal, both the colors, white, blue, black are the same. She always tries to get people to see that, since the feeling inside is the greatest expression of kindness to our neighbors. The greatest wealth is the soul. She was subjected to slavery for many years, unable to speak and express herself, today she likes to share that abuse should not be silenced, since mental abuse is the strongest, since it is always embodied and only with help could it be saved.
Gilma wants to help women who have been mentally abused, because it is like slavery within one and nobody has the right to keep our people enslaved. Every person must be free in thought, will and expression. Similarly, with children they should not be discriminated against for any reason, race, color, sex. Gilma owns a Daycare, always wants to help children of any social reason, always willing to listen to them and help them, since there are families from different social fields. Every child must be protected from abuse, insecurity, sexual abuse, dignity, equality, education.
Also with the elderly, she sees them as children and they are also mistreated in the same way by people who have no scruples, we must support our elders in the same way by giving love, a smile, trying to visit them since some are at home from abandoned homes alone or sometimes they receive family members from time to time and as human beings we must go to bring them music, go with our dances to make distractions so that they so they feel still alive. Gilma touched her personally to go to nursing home to visit these elders and there he would like to give, and that people realize how much they need us.
Gilma wants rights as people to be respected and achieve peace.