First International Women of Courage Awards

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Announce the First International Women of Courage Awards

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will speak at a ceremony to announce the Secretary of State's Award for International Women of Courage and to recognize the first group of women from different regions around the world to receive the award. The event will take place on March 7, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. in the Benjamin Franklin Room of the U.S. Department of State. In honor of International Women's Day 2007, Secretary Rice has established the annual Award for International Women of Courage, recognizing women around the globe who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for women's rights and advancement. This is the only Department of State award that pays tribute to emerging women leaders worldwide, and offers a unique opportunity for transformational diplomacy in the field of international women's issues.

This year, the Department will honor the following 10 women of courage:
Africa Ms. Jennifer Louise Williams – Zimbabwe
East Asia/Pacific Dr. Siti Musdah Mulia - Indonesia
Europe Ms. Ilze Jaunalksne - Latvia
Near East Dr. Samia al-Amoudi - Saudi Arabia
South and Central Asia Ms. Mariya Ahmed Didi - Maldives
Western Hemisphere Ms. Susana Trimarco de Veron – Argentina
Afghanistan and Iraq Ms. Mary Akrami - Afghanistan
Ms. Aziza Siddiqui - Afghanistan
Dr. Sundus Abbas - Iraq
Ms. Shatha Abdul Razzak Abbousi - Iraq

Source: Scoop