Overview

• First lady Jill Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosted the 18th annual International Women of Courage Awards at the White House, honoring women from around the world.
• The awards recognized women who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in the face of political repression, sexual violence, economic hardship, and gender discrimination.
• Among the honorees were nine women from Nicaragua, part of a group of political prisoners released last year, and individuals from countries including Myanmar, Belarus, Afghanistan, and Cuba.
• The ceremony highlighted the Biden administration's commitment to supporting women and girls globally, emphasizing that such support is both the right and smart thing to do.
• Since its inception in 2007, the State Department has recognized over 190 women from 90 countries with the International Women of Courage Award.