You’ve probably seen the photos. A brightly lit stage at the State Department, a handshake with the First Lady, and a shiny plaque. It looks like a standard diplomatic ceremony. But honestly, the International Women of Courage Award is anything but standard. For most of the women standing on that stage, the award isn't just a career highlight. It's often a target on their back.
Take Amit Soussana, one of the 2025 honorees. She didn’t set out to be a global symbol. She was a lawyer whose life was shattered during the October 7th attacks in Israel. After being held hostage for 55 days, she chose to speak out about the sexual violence she endured—a decision that requires a brand of bravery most of us can’t even wrap our heads around.
That’s what this award is actually about. It’s not for "influencers" or corporate leaders. It’s for the women who, quite literally, risk being disappeared, disbarred, or worse for the sake of something bigger than themselves.
The Award Nobody Asks For (But Everyone Needs)
The U.S. State Department started this back in 2007. Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice wanted a way to recognize women who were doing the heavy lifting in places where "human rights" is a dangerous phrase. Since then, they’ve recognized more than 200 women from over 90 countries.
But here’s the thing. U.S. embassies all over the world are the ones doing the scouting. They look for women like Angelique Songco, better known in the Philippines as “Mama Ranger.” She’s been leading a tiny team of rangers to protect the Tubbataha Reefs from illegal poachers for over 20 years. It sounds like a nature documentary, right? In reality, it involves facing down armed illegal fishers and fighting deep-seated corruption.
How the selection works
- The Nomination: U.S. Embassies around the globe nominate one woman from their host country.
- The Vetting: Senior State Department officials pore over these names. They aren't just looking for "success." They're looking for sacrifice.
- The Approval: The Finalists are approved by the Secretary of State.
- The Ceremony: Usually held around March 8th (International Women's Day), featuring the Secretary and the First Lady.
Why This Award Still Matters in 2026
It’s easy to be cynical about government awards. You might think it’s just soft power or "performative" diplomacy. Kinda. But for the winners, that U.S. seal of approval is a shield.
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When a journalist like Namini Wijedasa from Sri Lanka gets recognized for her 30 years of investigative work on corruption and civil conflict, it makes it a lot harder for her government to quietly shut her down. The international spotlight creates a "cost" for those who want to silence these women.
Take a look at the 2025 International Women of Courage Award recipients. The list is heavy. You have Henriette Da from Burkina Faso fighting for women's rights in a region plagued by instability. You have Georgiana Pascu, who has spent 25 years in Romania fighting for children and adults with disabilities who were basically forgotten in institutions.
These aren't people looking for fame. Amat Al-Salam Al-Hajj from Yemen has documented over 9,500 abductions. She’s helped secure the release of 950 people. Imagine the grit it takes to sit across from the people holding those hostages and demand accountability.
The "Madeleine Albright" Honorary Group
Sometimes, courage isn't about one person. It's a collective roar. In 2025, the Madeleine Albright Honorary Group Award went to the Women Student Protest Leaders of Bangladesh.
In the summer of 2024, these students stood between security forces and male protesters. They weren't just protesting for better jobs; they were fighting against violent repression. They did this while facing threats, tear gas, and physical violence. It’s a reminder that courage is contagious. When one woman stands up, ten more follow.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Impact
The award doesn't end with a flight back home. The organization American Women for International Understanding (AWIU) partners with the State Department to provide these women with grants.
This is the part that actually moves the needle. These grants fund the boring but essential stuff: legal fees, office space, security for shelters, and training programs.
But it’s not all sunshine. The award can make life incredibly difficult. In 2017, Fadia Thabet from Yemen mentioned that accepting the award was a double-edged sword. Before the award, she worked undetected to protect child soldiers. After the award, she was a known entity. She couldn't hide anymore.
Susanna Liew from Malaysia is another example. She’s been fighting for justice for her husband, Pastor Raymond Koh, who was abducted in broad daylight in 2017. Winning the award in 2020 gave her a platform, but it didn't magically bring her husband home. It just gave her a bigger microphone to keep asking the questions that make the powerful uncomfortable.
The Reality of Risk
It is worth noting that some winners have paid the ultimate price. The list of women who have been harassed, imprisoned, or killed after their activism is sobering.
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- Volha Harbunova from Belarus was imprisoned and tortured for organizing women's marches after the 2020 elections.
- Martha Beatriz Roque Cabello, a legendary Cuban dissident, has spent decades in and out of prison.
- Zarifa Ghafari, who became one of Afghanistan’s first female mayors at age 26, survived multiple assassination attempts.
When we talk about the International Women of Courage Award, we have to talk about the danger. It’s not a "congratulations on your success" award. It’s a "we see the hell you’re going through and we’re trying to help" award.
What You Can Actually Do
Supporting these women isn't just about liking a post on social media. If you're looking for ways to engage with the issues raised by these honorees, there are actual, practical steps you can take.
Follow the Organizations
Most of these women run NGOs. For example, Fatou Baldeh (The Gambia) runs WILL (Women in Liberation and Leadership). They are on the front lines fighting to keep the ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM/C) in place. Supporting the organizations directly is the fastest way to help.
Advocate for Policy
The U.S. Department of State’s Office of Global Women’s Issues is the engine behind this. Keeping these programs funded depends on political will. Letting your representatives know that international human rights and women's empowerment programs matter is a small but real action.
Localized Legal Literacy
One recurring theme among winners like Myintzu Win (Burma) and Namini Wijedasa is that change happens when people know their rights. Supporting organizations that focus on "legal literacy"—teaching people what the law actually says—is one of the most effective ways to dismantle systemic abuse.
The International Women of Courage Award isn't a final destination. For the women who receive it, the ceremony is just a brief moment of breath before they head back into the fire. Understanding that struggle is the first step in actually supporting them.
Key Action Items for Global Support:
- Research the 2025 Honorees: Look into the specific organizations led by women like Zabib Musa Loro Bakhit (South Sudan) or Major Velena Iga (Papua New Guinea) to understand the local context of their work.
- Support Investigative Journalism: Many awardees are journalists. Subscribing to or donating to independent news outlets in fragile democracies helps keep their platforms alive.
- Engagement with AWIU: Check out the American Women for International Understanding website to see how they facilitate the grants that follow the award.