Wed Apr 02 11:40:00 UTC 2025: ## International Women of Courage Awards Recognize 10 Exceptional Leaders

**WASHINGTON, D.C.** – The U.S. Department of State has announced the recipients of its prestigious International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award. This annual award, established in 2007, honors women from around the globe who have demonstrated extraordinary courage, strength, and leadership in the face of adversity. This year’s honorees represent a diverse range of backgrounds and fields, united by their unwavering commitment to human rights and social justice.

Among the recipients are:

* **Henriette Da (Burkina Faso):** A human rights defender and president of Burkina Faso’s National Human Rights Commission, Ms. Da is a vocal advocate for the people of Burkina Faso. Her extensive background in sociology and human rights has informed her tireless work.

* **Amit Soussana (Israel):** An attorney and survivor of the October 7th attacks in Israel, Ms. Soussana courageously uses her voice to advocate for fellow hostages held by Hamas, raising awareness of their plight.

* **Major Velena Iga (Papua New Guinea):** A key figure in combating violence against women and human trafficking in Papua New Guinea for over a decade. Major Iga’s initiatives, including a counseling hotline and training manuals, have provided crucial support and driven systemic change.

* **Angelique Songco (Philippines):** Known as “Mama Ranger,” Ms. Songco leads a team protecting the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, effectively combating illegal fishing and poaching, and demonstrating a successful fusion of law enforcement and conservation.

* **Georgiana Pascu (Romania):** Ms. Pascu has dedicated her career to advocating for the rights of institutionalized children and adults with disabilities, securing safer treatment and improved conditions for thousands over 25 years.

* **Zabib Musa Loro Bakhit (South Sudan):** A women’s rights leader with extensive experience in fragile and post-conflict settings, Ms. Bakhit is the founder of Women for Justice and Equality, a leading organization implementing Women, Peace, and Security programs.

* **Namini Wijedasa (Sri Lanka):** An award-winning journalist with over 30 years of experience, Ms. Wijedasa has fearlessly tackled corruption through investigative reporting, promoting accountability and inspiring future journalists.

* **Amat Al-Salam Abdullah Abdo Al-Hajj (Yemen):** Founder and president of the Abductees’ Mothers Association, Ms. Hajj has brought international attention to the plight of thousands of Yemeni detainees, securing the release of hundreds.

* **Unnamed Group of Student Protest Leaders (Bangladesh):** A group of women who displayed exceptional bravery during student protests against violent repression in Bangladesh in 2024, continuing the movement even in the face of arrest and internet shutdowns.

The IWOC award recognizes the exceptional contributions of these women and hundreds more over the years, highlighting their impact on their communities and the world. The State Department continues to celebrate their courage and resilience.

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