First Lady Melania Trump honoured eight women at the International Women of Courage Awards, recognising their bravery and dedication to advancing human rights and justice worldwide. The event at the State Department marked her fifth time participating in the annual ceremony.
During her speech, Trump emphasised the power of love as a source of strength during hardships. She highlighted how love can inspire individuals to show empathy, forgiveness, and bravery in the face of challenges. The First Lady praised the award recipients for their courage and commitment to advocating for women’s rights, social justice, and democratic values.
The State Department awards the International Women of Courage honour to women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, often at great personal risk. This year’s recipients included Georgiana Pascu, a Romanian disabilities rights activist; Amit Soussana, an Israeli woman who survived captivity; and Namini Wijedasa, a Sri Lankan journalist who fights corruption. Others recognized included Henriette Da, a human rights leader; Major Velena Iga, a Papua New Guinea activist; Zabib Musa Loro Bakhit, a South Sudanese women’s rights leader; Amat Al-Salam Al-Hajj, a Yemeni detainees advocate; and Angelique Songco, a Filipino marine conservationist.
In her remarks, Trump acknowledged women who speak out for justice despite fear, those who advocate for their communities, and those who work to heal wounds caused by hatred. She expressed admiration for their perseverance and their ability to inspire others.
Among the notable honorees, Trump highlighted Georgiana Pascu, who has spent 25 years advocating for institutionalized children and adults with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities. According to the State Department, she frequently uncovers inhumane conditions in care centres, exposing cases of neglect, malnutrition, and mistreatment.
Another award recipient, Amit Soussana, was kidnapped on October 7, 2023, and held hostage for 55 days. She has since shared her experiences of captivity, including the violence she endured, to raise awareness and support for others still in similar situations. She described her survival as a testament to resilience and the inner strength instilled in her by her family.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced the U.S. commitment to protecting women and girls, stating that promoting their well-being remains a national priority. He also affirmed that these values align with the broader goals of the Trump administration.
Several prominent officials attended the ceremony, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler, and Education Secretary Linda McMahon. While introducing the event, Rubio noted that Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was absent, joking that she was “probably spying somewhere right now.”
The International Women of Courage Awards was first established in 2007 by then-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Since its inception, it has recognized more than 190 women from over 90 countries. This year’s ceremony continued its tradition of celebrating individuals who risk their safety to advocate for justice, equality, and democratic values.
