HomeOffice of Global Women’s IssuesSecretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award
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Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award

Since the inception of the International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award in March 2007, the U.S. Department of State has recognized more than 190 women from 90 countries.

Now in its 18th year, the Secretary of State’s IWOC Award recognizes women from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equity and equality, and the empowerment of women and girls, in all their diversity, and more, often at great personal risk and sacrifice.

Each year, the IWOC awardees are invited to Washington, DC to receive their awards from the Secretary of State and the First Lady of the United States in a high-level ceremony held on or in proximity to International Women’s Day (March 8th). The IWOC awardees conclude their visit to the Untied States with a dinner hosted by American Women for International Understanding (AWIU) in Los Angeles, California, which provides the awardees with special grants to continue their work at home.

You can meet the 2024 International Women of Courage and explore their stories.

The 17th annual International Women of Courage Awards (IWOC) Ceremony at the White House, on March 8, 2023.

U.S. Department of State

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