The International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award, established in 2007, continues to honor women worldwide who have shown remarkable bravery, strength, and leadership, often facing personal risks. Since its inception, the U.S. Department of State has recognized over 200 women from more than 90 countries.
Ms. Henriette Da, a human rights defender, sociologist, and expert in women's rights and development, is among this year's honorees. Initially a socio-anthropological researcher, she went on to teach in public schools and co-founded Burkina Faso’s Association for Religious Tolerance and Intercommunity Dialogue. Her role as President of the National Human Rights Commission exemplifies her advocacy for the people of Burkina Faso.
Amit Soussana advocates for survivors of the October 7th attack in Israel. An attorney with a background in intellectual property law, Ms. Soussana highlights the conditions of hostages held by Hamas, drawing from her personal experiences. She has been a part of the Israel Bar Association and worked for Luzzatto & Luzzatto, focusing on patent and trademark registration.
In Papua New Guinea, Major Velena Iga has been pivotal in addressing violence against women and human trafficking. Her initiatives, like the “1-Tok” counseling hotline and the Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Training Manual, provide essential support, achieving legal and social advancements in the country.
Leading the conservation efforts in the Philippines, Angelique Songco, known as “Mama Ranger,” heads a team protecting the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. Her leadership has reduced illegal activities, blending law enforcement with conservation to enhance the region’s ecological and economic value.
Romanian Georgiana Pascu works to support the rights of institutionalized individuals with disabilities. Her efforts over 25 years have resulted in securing rights and improving conditions for thousands. She was instrumental in passing laws for monitoring care institutions and contributed to notable human rights cases.
Zaib Musa Loro Bakhit, in South Sudan, promotes women’s rights in challenging environments. She founded Women for Justice and Equality and has held several leadership roles supporting health and human rights across the region, focusing on peace and security initiatives.
Sri Lankan journalist Namini Wijedasa has over three decades of experience tackling corruption through investigative reporting. Despite restrictive legislation curbing freedom of expression, she continues to strive for transparency and accountability, inspiring new journalists and fostering dialogue on governance.
Amat Al-Salam Abdullah Abdo Al-Hajj, leading the Abductees’ Mothers Association, brings attention to Yemeni detainees' issues. Her organization has documented thousands of abductions and helped secure several releases. At the UN Security Council, she highlighted the suffering of mothers of abducted civilians, challenging the international community to remain vigilant about these tragedies.