The U.S. Department of State has announced the recipients of the 2019 International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awards. Secretary of State Pompeo will honor ten women from around the world on March 7 at a ceremony held at the U.S. Department of State. First Lady Melania Trump is scheduled to deliver special remarks during the event.
Now in its 13th year, the IWOC Award recognizes women globally who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women's empowerment, often facing significant personal risks and sacrifices. Since its inception in March 2007, more than 120 women from over 65 countries have been recognized by this award. The selection process involves nominations by U.S. diplomatic missions overseas with finalists approved by senior department officials.
The list of 2019 awardees includes Razia Sultana from Bangladesh, Naw K’nyaw Paw from Burma, Moumina Houssein Darar from Djibouti, Mama Maggie from Egypt, Colonel Khalida Khalaf Hanna al-Twal from Jordan, Sister Orla Treacy from Ireland, Olivera Lakić from Montenegro, Flor de María Vega Zapata from Peru, Marini de Livera from Sri Lanka, and Anna Aloys Henga from Tanzania.
Following the official award ceremony in Washington D.C., honorees will participate in meetings or interviews with government officials, NGOs, media representatives and others as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). They will travel to various U.S. cities where American organizations and businesses will host them to collaborate on strategies for empowering women both domestically and internationally. The program concludes with a closing ceremony in Los Angeles before they return to their home countries.
For further information regarding news updates about this year's awards use #WomenofCourage. Press inquiries can be directed to the Office of Press Relations at PAPressDuty@state.gov or by calling 202-647-2492.