As part of the celebration of International Women’s Day, the Women’s Grand Lodge of Uruguay hosted the6th annual Artemisa Awards in the Confraternidad Americana Hall at the headquarters of the Grand Lodge of Freemasonry of Uruguay.
This award honors exceptional women who have made a lasting impact or paved the way in various fields for future generations.
The event was attended by Her Most Serene Grand Master María Estela Vieras, the highest authority of the Women’s Lodge, along with distinguished guests, family members, and friends of the women being honored.
Also participating virtually were Marie Claude Kervala Boux, president of the International Center of Women’s Freemasonry (CLIMAF, by its French acronym), and Maricruz Campos, president of the American Federation of Women’s Freemasonry (FAMAF).
At each award ceremony, a tribute is held to honor the life and career of each recipient, in recognition of their work, dedication, intelligence, and sensitivity, which they have always placed at the service of society.
An exceptional woman who has left her mark
Charlotte S. de Grünberg (1932–2024), who was born in Belgium, led an inspiring life.
She arrived in the Río de la Plata region as a refugee after World War II. A Holocaust survivor, she dedicated her life to education and to bearing witness, in order to keep the memory of the Shoah alive for future generations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZBMhmYh8sI
She served as president of what was then the ORT Institute of Technology until it became Universidad ORT Uruguay.
It has inspired initiatives such as the ORT Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), which combines education with the creation of new business opportunities and social development.
Charlotte's work was recognized both nationally and internationally, and she received numerous awards.
In this regard, he received the Scopus Award from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, which recognizes his valuable contribution to education and his efforts to promote universal values of humanity and knowledge.
Although he passed away recently, on February 20, his work and memory live on.
The Recognition
The posthumous Artemisa Award presented to Prof. Charlotte de Grünbergwas accepted by her granddaughter, Dr. Florencia Grünberg.
Her husband, Dr. José Grünberg; her son, Dr. Jorge Grünberg, rector Universidad ORT Uruguay, along with his wife, psychologist Carolina Bonaldi; and her grandchildren, Florencia and Matías Grünberg, attended the ceremony from the front row, accompanied by university officials.
Florencia's speech was full of emotion, which quickly spread throughout the auditorium.
“I would like to thank the Women’s Grand Lodge of Uruguay for the opportunity to receive this award on behalf of my grandmother. On the last day of mourning, what we call shiva, the rabbi said something to us that had a profound impact on both my father and me.
He told us what a virtuous woman meant—and still means—to King Solomon in Proverbs: “She is the woman who shines with her own light, not merely as a reflection of her husband; she is the woman who opens her arms to others when they need her; she is the woman who cares for her home and her family; she is the woman who can be strong without losing her femininity.”
All of us who knew my grandmother know that she was unquestionably that way. We learned so much from her—from her intelligence and her generosity. I hope, and my entire family hopes, that we can carry on her work and her legacy. On behalf of myself, my grandfather—who was her lifelong partner—and my entire family, we thank you.”
In this edition, Dr. Ana Ribeiro, Mrs. Clara Ost de Engelman, Dr. Ana Bianchi, and Ms. Stella Elizaga were also awarded the Artemisa Prize.
“On this day of reflection, the Women’s Lodge of Uruguay reaffirms its commitment to working tirelessly for equal access to human rights, freedom, and peace in a world that so desperately needs them,” said María Estela Vieras, the organization’s head, at the close of the event.