March 9, 2021 Share
The U.S. State Department recognized 21 women who have demonstrated leadership in advocating for human rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment, honoring them at an “International Women of Courage Award” ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Monday.
This year, the award was given posthumously to seven Afghan women after they were assassinated in 2020 while serving their communities during a pivotal moment in Afghanistan’s history. Other award winners are from Belarus, Myanmar, China, Iran, Somalia, Turkey and Venezuela.
Among this year’s honorees are jailed Belarusian opposition figure Maria Kolesnikova, who has fought for the democratic movement in the aftermath of the disputed election; Chinese human rights lawyer Wang Yu, who was imprisoned and now remains in China under an exit ban; Iranian chess arbiter Shohreh Bayat, who chose to be a champion for women’s rights after being accused of violating her country’s strict Islamic dress
[Translated] “
Last night, the US Foreign Ministry gave the award to 7 Afghan women and they appreciated their achievements.
The US Foreign Ministry gave honorary awards to the brave Afghan women who were hunted for targeted killings in 2020,” said Enikass broadcast.
In addition to the individual
IWOC) awards presented Monday, Secretary Blinken presented an honorary
IWOC) award, “to a group of seven Afghan women who were assassinated in 2020 while serving their communities during a pivotal moment in Afghanistan’s history. These tragic murders underscore the alarming trend of increased targeting of women in Afghanistan,” said Secretary Blinkin in a statement.
White House File Photo, International Women of Courage Awards Art/Cropping/Enhancement: Rosa YamamotoFPMag
Rome, Italy, Mar 9, 2021 / 10:45 am (CNA).- A religious sister and registered nurse who served those sick with COVID-19 in Italy has been honored by the U.S. State Department with the “Women of Courage” Award.
Sister Alicia Vacas Moro is a Comboni Missionary Sister originally from Spain who has served the poor and the sick as a nurse in Egypt, the West Bank, and amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Vacas was awarded the International Women of Courage Award by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in a virtual ceremony on March 8 along with 13 other women.
The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See in Rome hosted a virtual watch party of the “Women of Courage” awards on International Women’s Day.