Women who fight for change are honored in the White House
The 11 women who were honored with the International Women of Courage Award 2023 on March 8 fight for different causes but have one thing in common: They are not intimidated.
The award, presented annually by the US Secretary of State honors women around the world who stand up for human rights and the rule of law And Gender equality, often at great personal risk. This year’s ceremony was held at the White House for the first time and was hosted by First Lady Jill Biden.
“To our Honored Ones, the United States is proud to be with you as you and others fight these hundred battles every day,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “And we will be there and be with you for the long haul.”
Investigating crimes in Ukraine
Among the award winners Are Two women call attention to the human tribute the Russian government’s unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Julia Paievska, a medic and volunteer from Ukraine, filmed and distributed videos of the atrocities committed by Russian forces in Mariupol. Russian forces arrested her on March 16, 2022 while she was helping to evacuate women and children from Mariupol. She was detained for three months and suffered torture and beatings.
Since her release, Paievska has continued to campaign for Ukrainian democracy and independence at home and abroad.
“I use this voice of mine to counter Russia’s activities,” Paievska told ShareAmerica through a Ukrainian interpreter. “Because of my health problems [from imprisonment], I can’t take care of the wounded soldiers at the front, which I have done in the past; therefore I share the truth with the world.”
Polish humanist and journalist Bianka Zalewska hosts a popular morning show in Poland. She has documented Russia’s aggression in Ukraine since 2014, despite life-threatening injuries sustained when her press car was shot at by Russian proxies in Luhansk Oblast in 2014.
Despite target threats Zalewska and your familycontinues Zalewska delivery Proof of atrocities.
“I will show it because someone has to and I know this country, I know how to move during war, I know how to protect myself, I know how to behave when I hear sirens, so I have to go there,” Zalewska told ShareAmerica.
Fight for justice around the world
Also recognized with the 2023 International Women of Courage Award:
- Dr Zakira hekmatWHO works on to ensure Afghans, particularly women, girls and members of marginalized communities, receive refugee protection and Asylum in Turkiye.
- Alba RuedaArgentina’s Special Representative on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, and the driving force behind the nations Executive of the Transgender Labor Quota Act Command.
- Professor Daniele Darlan, former president the Constitutional Court of the Central African Republic, WHO defended the constitution of that nation and protected the judiciary independentenz.
- Doris Rios from Costa Rica, a Cabécar Iindigenous leader and member of China Kichá indigenous community, the functions to improve natively Life.
- Meaza Mohammedan independent Ethiopian journalist who has coveredit geunder–based violence and human rights abuses during ethicOPia Northern conflict, despite repeated arrestS
- Hadel Abdel Aziza human rights activist helping some of the most marginalized people in Jordan, including refugees, migrants and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
- Bakhytzhan Toregozchinaan activist in Kazakhstan who helped survivor documentedit human rights violation while she unrest in the country In 2022.
- Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi, who dedicated to support her life The right from people with disabilities in Malaysia.
- Brigadier General Bolor Gandboldthe first female general in the Mongolian Armed Forces and a pioneer for the leadership of women in security and peacekeeping operations.
The State Department also presented the first Madeleine Albright Honorary Group Award to the Protesting women and girls in Iranwho have been protesting the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini in the custody of Iran’s Morality Police for months, despite the violent crackdown by the Iranian authorities.
All told, the State Department has honored more than 180 women in 80 countries since 2007. As part of this new sorority, honorees will participate in an International Visitor Leadership Program face-to-face exchange to connect with American peers and strengthen global networks of women leaders.
“Know that there is no end to the tremendous good that you have done,” First Lady Jill Biden told the honorees. “It touches everyone who hears your story. It transforms us with new hope. As you seek justice, raise your voice and strive for peace, you inspire others to find the courage in us to face the same call.”
