The United States Department of State will host the 19th annual International Women of Courage Award Ceremony on April 1, honoring extraordinary women from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, and the empowerment of women and girls.
At the ceremony, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and First Lady Melania Trump will pay tribute to a group of remarkable women selected from over 90 countries. Since 2007, the Department of State has recognized more than 200 women who have shown strength and resilience in their pursuit of these values, often at great personal risk.
The International Women of Courage Award is given annually to recognize women who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in promoting peace, justice, human rights, and the empowerment of women and girls. The awardees will be invited to participate in an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a foundational professional exchange program that enables them to engage with American counterparts on ways to further their work.
The ceremony will take place at 1:00 p.m. EDT at the Department of State, and will be open to pre-registered media. The event will also be streamed live on the Department's homepage and YouTube channel for those who cannot attend in person. Media interested in covering the event must register by 12:00 p.m. EDT on March 31, and will receive arrival instructions and call times prior to the ceremony.
The Secretary of State’s Office of Global Women’s Issues is responsible for organizing this annual event, which has become a cornerstone of U.S. efforts to promote women's empowerment and human rights around the world. For more information, please contact the Office at StateGWI@state.gov.