Clinton on women and human rights. She will be part of a Panel Discussion and be presenting awards. Georgetown university is hosting the awards and were looking at a video has begun the event. This is live coverage on cspan two. She is a soldier in me and mark, conflict continues in the nations formal Peace Process is at a standstill. On the western border, the rohinga minority are facing a textbook case of ethnic cleansing at the hands of the myanmar military. Way way is a former political prisoner to speak for womens equality and justice and peace in myanmar. Lee used and is a canadian journalist and the bbcs chief International Correspondent covering conflicts in some of the most challenging places. From syria to afghanistan and beyond, she has demonstrated a peerless commitment totelling the stories of those caught behind the front lines. Our reporting exposes the unique impacts conflict has on women and children and also the daring and vital work with are doing. Not yet, wei wei and lee exemplify womens leadership i advancing human rights, justice and beach. Today, Georgetown University is honoring these brave women. [applause] good morning everyoneand welcome to this awards program. Honoring extraordinary leadership in advancing women in peace and security. I want to give a very special welcome to our remarkable honorees and to their relatives and friends who have traveled here to be with them. I also want to welcome the members of our diplomatic corps, ambassadors from the netherlands, sweden, albania as well as officials at the canadian and british embassies. Georgetown has always recognized our obligation to engage with the pressing challenges ofour time. And to seek ways to contribute to the flourishing of our global community. As our president jack has observed, there are many approaches to the complex work of building sustainable peace or realizing the full development of our diverse society. One theme emerges the importance that women are for participants and valued leaders in global affairs. And that is the focus of our coming together this morning. In december of 2011, then secretary of state Hillary Clinton came to georgetown to lunch with the Us National Action Plan on women, peace and security. On that occasion, the president of the University Also announced the creation of the Georgetown Institute for women, peace and security. It would pioneer Innovative Research and scholarships, that is evidencebased. Work to bridge. And practice and bring together Global Leaders to advance womens participation in peace and security. As the secretary said at that time, whether its ending conflict, managing a transition or building a country, the world cannot afford to continue to ignore half the population. This is not a womens issue. It cuts to the heart of our National Security and the security of people everywhere. The institute recently released a new global index on women, peace and security that was undertaken with our norwegian partners. The index for the first time ranks 153 countries on the status of womens inclusion, justice and security. We are thrilled that secretary clinton is back with us today. Over 20 years ago as first lady, she made a historic speech on behalf of the United States at the un conference on women that took place in beijing. She said then that it is no longer acceptable to discuss womens rights as separate from human rights and went onto pronounce words that would echo around the world. And the rise of our womens rights are human rights. It was a key moment in the empowerment of women as womens rights werechiseled into international law. And it sparked a Worldwide Movement that continues to this day. Those years found her traveling to over 75countries on behalf of progress for women and girls, speaking up for example against the treatment of afghan women , leading efforts to combat humantrafficking , helping tosupport women in northern ireland. And now she continues to champion these issues as the first elected woman center of new york and then as secretary of state, she reminded us that womens issues are critical to National Security and elevated them as a central component of us foreign policy. And as you all know, in 2016 she became the first woman to run for president of the United States as a nominee of a Major Political party and won the popular vote. So please welcome. [applause] please welcome the honorary founding chair of the Georgetown Institute for women, peace and security, secretary Hillary Rodham clinton. [applause] iq. Hello georgetown. [applause] it is great to be back here and i am delighted to join you for this awards ceremony once again. I want to thank the man who has been my partner, colleague and friend for decades now. Theres an old expression you probably heard. If you want something done, a busy woman though i have to say that is miller and revere, some not very well. Institute for women, peace and security is a testament to her vision as well as her sheer determination to make that vision a reality. I also want to thank president joya. He truly embodies the georgetown motto of men and women for others and his leadership about so many important matters but particularly this institute is absolutely extraordinary. You know, this university and this institute have flourished because so many people have seen its merits and have understood that is fulfilling and that many didnt even know existed. So i always am delighted to return to the hilltop and to sing the praises along with all of you of heroic women and men who have been been recognized over the years for their commitment to advancing women and peace and security. So be prepared to be humbled, inspired and energized. They are particularly relevant this year when the steady drumbeat of women speaking out about their own experiences has never been stronger. I think this is a watershed moment. The powerful reminder of how important it is to make sure that women have a place at any table where decisions are made from the c suite to media to government to be these cable everywhere. We can all do a better job of making this a priority every day. And as americans, standing up for human rights and against injustice around the world is vital. I would argue it is part of the american dna. It is also however importantto be clear eyed about the challenges we face in our own country. And its true whether we are grappling with and the harassment and assault, threats to Womens Health and reproductive rights or pay disparities and other persistent inequities in our own economy. But no one should ever underestimate the power of women and girls not only to improve their own lives but to help list of families, communities and entire nations. The extraordinary courage and resilience of women and girls in the face of vast inequity and injustice is humbling. Ive listened to girls as young as 12 argue forcefully and passionately against child marriage. Ive met activists who risk their own safety to speak out against other killings. Ive held the hand of women and tiny little girls who lived through unimaginable horrors, emerge determined not to be destroyed by what was done to them, but to do everything they could to prevent others from facing and enduring what they had. Through it all, i have seen that women are not only victims of war and conflict, but they are agents of change makers of change and drivers of progress. That was truly the belief behind the creation of the Georgetown Institute for women and peace and security, the first of its kind in the world back in 2011. It came together to declare that the issue of womens participation in peace and security no longer be relegated to the margins of international affairs. And in the years that followed, the institute has gathered the data to support what we knew in our hearts, that encouraging womens participation is strategic and necessary to peace, prosperity and security. The tradition of women standing up for human rightsand democracy stretches across centuries and continents. From the british projects you who fought for and won the right to vote 100 years ago tomorrow before we did. To the women around the world who are at the forefront of taking on urgent Global Trends like Climate Change and violent extremism to today honorees. Theres not a former captive of the Islamic State, i is a human rights activist who is working to bring isis to justice while helping survivors of genocide and Human Trafficking heal and rebuild their lives andtheir communities. Nadias work is close to my heart because for decades, we have tried to take on the global scourge of Human Trafficking. I started working on it as first lady, as center and secretary of state. It was 20 years ago this march that with the help of your professor, secretary of state madeleine albright, we worked with the Clinton Administration to help change the way that america saw this issue. To recognize the trafficking for what it is. Not a cultural artifact, not collateral, but a crime that deserves to be prosecuted. When we first took on this issue we addressed what we called the three ps. During my time as secretary of state we had a partnership. We brought together ngos, governments and the private sector to fight together against Human Trafficking and forced labor and because we know that this is not an issue that affects only the farflung corners of the world, we made sure that for the first time, the 2010 trafficking persons report included data on Human Trafficking here in the United States. This is not just someone elses problem. This is all of our problem. Our second honoree, wei wei new takes human rights and democracy activist in me and mark. Shes spent years as a political prisoner under the burmese militarygovernment. One of the horrors of her imprisonment was being cut off from everything thatwas going on in her society , so out of that experience he has worked to raise awareness and Mutual Understanding and improve human rights of the rohinga. As secretary of state introduced resolution 1888 to the Security Councilof the United Nations. It was months after visiting with survivors of mass rape and brutality in the democratic of the congo. We wanted to bring together the International Community to expand our commitment to combating Sexual Violence in conflict zones that we created the first National Action plan on women, peace and security to do just that. It was gratifying to see the Congress Passed a law to codify that plan last year. And i look forward to seeing our governments implement it. In recent years, the evidence has only grown to support the fact that Sexual Violence in conflict is both a gross human rights violation and a security challenge. Its fuels displacement, weakens governance, stabilizes societies. It inhibits postconflict resolution and imperils the longterm stability of the country. Clearly, we still have urgent work to do. This last fall the current un special representative on Sexual Violence and conflict traveled to bangladesh where hundreds of thousands have fled to escape the crisis in myanmar. She reported that at every single woman she met had either witnessed or endured brutal sexual assault. The stories of the atrocities being committed against nay women and girls, some very young girls, should horrify each and every one of us and more than that, should spur all of us to action. It is not a partisan issue in this time of such great partisanship. In fact, its not even a womans issue. It should be an issue that goes to the very heart of who we are as human beings. To our common humanity. Our third honoree is a reporter. Who has worked to shine the light on the experiences of women andchildren in conflict , telling the stories that are too often overlooked. She has reported from some of the most important and dangerous areas in the world and has done so with courage, compassion and clarity. Her reporting is not only compelling and enlightening, it is absolutely essential. I still believe in truth, evidence and facts. There is no such thing as alternative reality and we have to make sure that we dont let anybody else push us to live in it either. [applause] so at a time of expertise truth and facts are under siege, the work of journalists like lee is particularly crucial. Now, its easy to be overwhelmed by all thats going on in the world and on the world stage and here at home. I know that. I get overwhelmed at least a dozen times a day. Ive spent the last year traveling the country, meeting people at signings for my book andother events , listening to whats on their minds. And ive been asked more times than i can count what can we do . Now, one answer is clear. Advancing the rights, opportunities and full participation of women and girls is the great Unfinished Business of the 21st century. I intend to keep fighting to pursue this agenda and to remain on the front lines of democracy, but the most important question for everyone here is what can you do . What will you decide to make your mission, your purpose, your passion, to use your education, your mind, your resolve to make our world a better place. In particular, what can you do to make sure that the lives of women and girls is never again relegated to the backstage somewhere. Seen as frivolous or a luxury that we cant afford because of all the important matters that are facing up. I think the stories of todays honorees are proof of whats possible. When we refuse to give in or let our voices be silenced. It is hard to continue to speak up, speak out, stand up. Against what you think of as obvious wrongs. But do not grow weary, bring a sustained commitment, think of these honorees. Dont get discouraged. Trust hope and inspiration from each of them. And leave here today with a renewed commitment to making your own mark on the world. I know, thats what we need more than ever and im very confident that this university, students and all of you here today can really make a difference. Thank you all very much. [applause] thank you so much secretary clinton for the inspiring word. And for your ongoingcommitment on these issues. It is now time for our honoree. Imagine your 19 years old as probably some of you are. Youre going to school, you have aspirations for your future. However, one day terrorists, and subject you, your family and your community to unspeakable horrors. Thats what happened to not you are on when the Islamic State invaded her village in Northern Iraq and rounded up several, a kurdish religious minority who ice is viewed as infidels. Isis killed many members of not his family and then abducted her. Thousands of men, women and children were massacred or kidnapped by isis. And hundreds of thousands have been displaced by the violence against their religious community. Women have faced additional abuse, the abuse of sexual torture at the hands of their captors. Many were sold into sexual slavery. At slave markets. Not is a survivor. She was one of the fortunate who managed to escape her brutal captivity and she has since devoted her life to being a voice for those left behind. She said that never gets any easier totell her story. Each time she said she really is it, but she added that it is the best weapon she has against terrorism. And she plans on using her voice until the terrorists are put on crime. s she has recently written a book about her experiences and titled last girl. My story of captivity and my fight against the Islamic State and i hope you will all buy it. She has joined forces with amal clooney to insist that the International Community bring the perpetrators of these crimes and against humanity to justice. She is also founded an organization, nadias initiative to help women and marginalized groups to have a role in stabilizing and rebuilding their community. In 2016, the United Nations named her the first goodwill ambassador for the dignity of survivors of Human Trafficking. She has experienced in her life unimaginable brutality. Yet despite that pain and suffering, she is determined to ensure that her people and she truly wants to be a last girl in the world story like hers, as has been said of her, not his resilience and dignity are the most powerful rejection of what isis stands for. Now for the citation. For her tireless efforts, towards and advocating for the pc, urging that isisterrorists who perpetrated the atrocities committed against them are brought to justice , for helping survivors, by bringing their voices to the world and working to break the stigma of Sexual Violence and Human Trafficking continues their nightmare, and for her determination to make it possible that other girls never have to endure the experiences that she faced, georgetown is proud to present the 2018 Hillary Clinton award for advancing women in peace and security to not get moron. [applause] wai wai nu was an 18yearold student when her family was sentenced to 17 years in myanmar infamous prisons. By the Government Military was punishment for her fathers opposition, vi brutal regime. But during her sev