In a truly inspiring ceremony at the U.S. State Department, First Lady Melania Trump, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, celebrated the remarkable achievements of eight extraordinary women and a dedicated student group at the 2025 International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awards. The event, broadcast globally on March 18, shone a spotlight on the unwavering bravery and profound dedication of women making a tangible difference across the world.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also honored the awardees, highlighting the vital role they play as beacons of hope and resilience. “These honorees represent the very best of humanity,” he remarked, emphasizing their inspirational power. “Their resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that even in the face of immense challenges, individuals can make a profound difference.”
You can find more videos about the event here: Watch the video
2025 Honorees: Profiles in Valor
- Amit Soussana (Israel): Demonstrated extraordinary resilience surviving 55 days of Hamas captivity, and now tirelessly advocates for hostages’ rights.
- Georgiana Pascu (Romania): Displayed exceptional compassion by rescuing over 200 disabled adults from abusive institutions.
- Major Velena Iga (Papua New Guinea): She showed remarkable leadership in combating gender-based violence within military ranks.
- Angelique Songco (Philippines): The renowned “Mama Ranger” passionately protects marine ecosystems from poachers.
- Henriette Da (Burkina Faso): Courageously shields minorities amidst the turmoil of extremist violence.
- Zabib Musa Loro Bakhit (South Sudan): Serves as a crucial peacebuilder in the challenging environment of war-torn regions.
- Amat Al-Salam Al-Hajj (Yemen): Works tirelessly to recover victims of forced disappearances, providing solace and justice.
- Madeleine Albright Honor: A special tribute was paid to the student protestors from Bangladesh, the first student group to receive this honor, for their unwavering fight for educational reforms.
Since its inception in 2007, the IWOC Award has recognized over 200 women from more than 90 countries, underscoring the global reach of their courage. This year’s ceremony, in particular, highlighted the profound and lasting impact of these women’s dedication.
First Lady Trump’s powerful message emphasized the unifying nature of courage: “These women remind us that bravery transcends borders and politics. Their love for humanity lights the path forward.”
CWEB News extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the honorees and applauds First Lady Melania Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their continued dedication to recognizing and celebrating women’s leadership worldwide.
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