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March 11, 2010

State Dept. Awards 10 with International Women of Courage Award
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And ten women activists from around the world have been awarded the
State Department’s International Women of Courage Award. Secretary of
State Hillary Clinton presented the awards on Wednesday at the State
Department.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: “We are honoring women from around
the world who have endured isolation and intimidation, violence and
imprisonment. Many have even risked their lives to advance justice,
freedom and equal rights for everyone. Their stories remind us of how
much work there is left to do before the rights and dignity of all
people, no matter who you are or where you live, are respected and
protected by the world’s governments. But these women prove that change
is possible.”

Jestina Mukoko of Zimbabwe spoke on behalf of the award recipients.

Jestina Mukoko: “The International Women of Courage Award is a
solidarity message that unites women from all over the world, regardless
of race, religion and color, and we have learned that even language has
failed to be a barrier to understanding and acknowledging what each one
of us is doing. This, indeed, Madame Secretary, not only resonates with
your strong notion that women’s rights are human rights, but is in line
with the theme this year of the International Women’s Day: equal rights,
equal opportunities, progress for all.”



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