On April 1, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and First Lady Melania Trump will host the International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awards at the Department of State. This annual event will recognize extraordinary women from across the globe. Open to pre-registered media, the ceremony will also be live-streamed on the Department's homepage and YouTube channel. Media registration closes on March 31 at noon EDT.
For the past 19 years, the IWOC Awards have highlighted the courage, strength, and leadership of women internationally. Since its inception in 2007, the award has honored over 200 women from more than 90 countries. This year, nominees were selected by U.S. diplomatic missions, with finalists approved by senior Department officials. Post-ceremony, awardees will join the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and participate in additional activities in Los Angeles.
This year's honoree, Amat Al-Salam Abdullah Abdo Al-Hajj from Yemen, is recognized for her efforts as founder and president of the Abductees’ Mothers Association. Her work has focused on highlighting the plight of Yemeni detainees, using her organization to mobilize families and demand accountability. She has been instrumental in documenting over 9,500 abductions and securing the release of 950 individuals. Al-Hajj has utilized the unique role of mothers in Yemeni society to make strides in areas where others have struggled. In an August 2023 address to the UN Security Council, Al-Hajj emphasized the suffering of mothers with abducted children, urging the international community to remember their struggle. Her relentless pursuit of justice serves as a source of inspiration for human rights advocates globally.