U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently attended the 18th Annual International Women of Courage Award Ceremony, where he delivered a speech. He expressed his privilege to be in the company of such distinguished women of high character.
A White House news release reveals that the State Department’s Office of Global Women’s Issues, under the leadership of Ambassador Geeta Rao Gupta, worked in collaboration with White House Gender Policy Council Director Jen Klein to organize the event. First Lady Jill Biden acknowledged the resilience demonstrated by the women at the ceremony amidst relentless adversity.
Biden stated, "The women on this stage have refused to bend to that silence. You’ve spoken out for yourselves – and for others in the face of fear and risk, and those who have tried to steal your voices away." She further noted their inner strength which they clung onto even when attempts were made to censor them or make them stay quiet. This strength helped them raise their voices even when they were afraid or tired.
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The event also saw participation from Emmy Ruiz, White House political director; Samantha Power, USAID administrator; Desiree Cormier Smith, special representative for racial equity and justice; and Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs Assistant Secretary Lee Satterfield, as per a Department of State (DOS) news release.
Blinken said, "Women and girls demonstrate similar bravery in places that are wracked by conflict and insecurity even as they are disproportionately harmed by that violence." He acknowledged the quiet daily strength of women who persist despite obstacles to their rights, participation, and basic chances in life - from unequal political and economic power to gender-based violence. He emphasized that whether on war's front lines or social change's front lines, women often drive progress most powerfully. The United States stands with every woman working courageously towards greater stability, equality, and opportunity while pledging commitment to eliminating barriers preventing women and girls from reaching their full potential.
