Speech by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at the 17th Annual International Women of Courage Awards of the US Department of State
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield
US Representative to the United Nations
Washington, D.C
March 8, 2023
AS DELIVERED
Hello everyone. It is truly a privilege to present this new award – one that honors our first Secretary of State, the late Madeleine Albright.
Secretary Albright has shown so many women, including myself, how to lead with moral clarity and courage. Her legacy lives on in those who still fight for gender equality and universal human rights. It is fitting that this award recognizes not just one woman, but the courage, strength and collaboration of an entire movement. It speaks to the outsized impact of Secretary Albright’s example and life of ministry.
When the Albright family, who is with us here today, learned of this award, they requested that another landmark leader, one whom Secretary Albright knew well, attend this ceremony: Secretary Condoleezza Rice.
Secretary Rice created the International Women of Courage Award in 2007 and although she was unable to come with us today, she wanted to be a part of this very special ceremony.
[Prerecorded remarks by Secretary Condoleezza Rice.] [Applause.]And I wish they could be here to hear your applause.
I am proud to present the Madeleine K. Albright Honorary Group International Women of Courage Award. This first prize goes to women and girls in Iran who inspired us all after the brutal assassination of Mahsa Amini.
All Mahsa wanted was to live a normal and happy life. She dreamed of starting a family after her studies. But those hopes and dreams have been shattered — they have been shattered by the tyranny of Iran’s so-called “morality police.” The Iranian government probably thought this was just another footnote in the long history of violence and discrimination against women. But this time, this time it was different.
The Iranian people – led by women – peacefully took to the streets. They followed in the footsteps of brave women before them who had sacrificed so much in the name of freedom. Through neighborhoods and classrooms, from homes and car windows, protesters across Iran and around the world chanted, creating a global chorus demanding gender equality and human rights.
But for all the hope that this movement represents, we must never forget how the Iranian regime reacted: they tortured peaceful demonstrators. They arrested tens of thousands of people. They seriously injured and killed Iranians in bloody raids. The international community must continue to condemn the regime’s repression and violence, and we must walk the talk.
This is why the United States has successfully attempted to remove Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women, and this is why we are working to hold those involved in these abuses accountable.
To all women and girls across Iran: We will continue to stand with you in your struggle for women, for life and for freedom. So please join me in recognizing the brave women and girls of Iran. [Applause.]
I now have the honor to introduce another courageous woman who has campaigned steadfastly for vulnerable communities in Malaysia.
When a car crash and brutal assault left Senator Ras Adiba Radzi paralyzed from the waist down, she dedicated her life to advocacy. To raise awareness, Malaysians across the country saw them on TV, in Parliament and at the Paralympics. You heard her comment. They heard her poems. They heard their fierce call for justice.
In May 2020, she became Malaysia’s representative for people with disabilities. And later that year she was appointed as the first female Chair of the Malaysian National News Agency.
Senator Ras Adiba Radzi embodies – she embodies what it means to live a life of service to others. Please welcome them to the podium with me. [Applause.]
###
