MS FOTOVAT: Good afternoon. Please, everyone, be seated. Thank you so much. So good afternoon, everyone. I have to say I'm so excited. Thank you, all, for being here in this historic setting of the Benjamin Franklin Room here at the Department of State.
I'm Kat Fotovat, the senior bureau official for the Secretary's Office of Global Women's Issues, or S/GWI as we call it here. I'm so honored to be with you all today at the 19th annual International Women of Courage Award Ceremony. (Applause.)
We are so excited to have so many distinguished guests and our courageous awardees. I'm so glad the weather in D.C. greeted you all with our beautiful cherry blossoms and a million blooms, just like the courage blooming all over the world inspired by the incredible women we honor here today.
Established by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, this annual award celebrates women leaders from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership, often at great personal risk or sacrifice. Nineteen years - which is the same age as my son - is a testament to the importance of this award and the work it represents: a clear and powerful statement that the United States strongly supports the participation and protection of women and girls, the defense of their human rights, and their empowerment. (Applause.)
None of this would be possible without leadership and support at the highest levels, starting with President Trump. Thank you to First Lady Melania Trump and Secretary Rubio for your deep, longstanding commitment to women and girls globally. We are so thrilled to have so many members of the cabinet and Congress and their staff here as well.
I'm so proud to be here representing S/GWI. Our mission has been to promote the rights and empowerment of women and girls globally as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. As President Trump said, when women are empowered to participate in civic and economic life, their communities, their families, and countries are more prosperous, healthy, and safe.
My office works across three main areas that, as the Secretary outlined, advances the President's America First vision: making America safer by ensuring the protection of women and girls from violence, a central part of securing our border, combating terrorism, and fostering global peace and security; making America stronger by advancing women's meaningful participation in political, peace, and security processes, leading to longer-lasting peace and stability around the world; making America more prosperous by supporting women's economic empowerment and fostering American investments, innovation, and interest over our strategic competitors.
Now, the International Women of Courage Awards highlight the critical role women play in peace and stability. The eight individuals, who you will learn more about in just a moment, embody those American values abroad and promote efforts that their countries and regions are more secure. I am pleased now to introduce their stories to you. Please see the screen.
(Video is played.)
(Applause.)
MS FOTOVAT: I think you can see the clear courage amongst all of these incredible women.
Now it is my distinct honor to introduce, from the great state of Florida like myself, our Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Go Gators. (Applause.)
Secretary Rubio has been a long-dedicated champion for women and girls around the world. As a U.S. senator, he worked tirelessly to advance policies that strengthen women's roles in peace and security efforts, recognize their critical contributions to global security and American strength. He also worked to ensure that girls, particularly in conflict zones, have access to education. He played pivotal roles in making sure their efforts to end violence and human trafficking, striving to create safer environments for women and girls around the world.
As a father of daughters, I know his passion for these issues is also deeply personal, driving his commitment to a future where all women and girls have the opportunity to lead, succeed, and thrive. Mr. Secretary, over to you. (Applause.)
SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much for - all of you, for being here. Madam First Lady, thank you for joining us. We're so honored you would be here today with us at the State Department. All of our award recipients - you'll hear about them more in a moment; you saw that video, very moving, very touching. We'll learn more about them. All of my colleagues and distinguished guests.
A special recognition for the members of our cabinet who are here today. Why don't you guys stand up so we can recognize you? Our Attorney General - (applause) - the Secretary of Small Business, of Education, and of Labor. And we're missing Tulsi Gabbard, because she's probably spying somewhere right now. (Laughter.) So she's busy, but thank you. Thank you for being here and joining us on this.
And good afternoon and welcome to the State Department. This is a beautiful room. We don't use it often enough, but this is an appropriate setting in which to use it, and we're so grateful to be honoring this year's International Women of Courage awardees. This has been going on since 2007, when my - one of my predecessors, Secretary Condoleezza Rice, instituted this award, and since then, have recognized over 200 women for their work promoting peace and prosperity and human rights in communities and in countries across the world.
And what we recognize here more than that is not just their work, but the fact that they do so oftentimes at extraordinary risk to themselves, to their families, to their loved ones. Not just important work, but work that took courage. And that's why we recognize eight women with the International Women of Courage Award here today.
I'd briefly like to honor a leader - you saw her a moment ago - Katrina Fotovat. Did I say that right? Katrina, we call her Kat. And she's done a great job. Without you and your team putting this together, it would not have been possible. Thank you. (Applause.)
I want to also personally thank the woman of courage who lives in my home, my wife Jeanette, who rarely gets to join us. (Applause.) And I say that relatively speaking, because courage is - I mean, there are challenges with three kids under 22 years of age, or 23, as you know, especially a 17-year-old that's still in high school and they have the world figured out. Anyway, thank you. (Laughter.) Because without her, I would not be able to do this, so we thank you very much and for being here today.
At the State Department and under President Trump, we try to take every opportunity to defend and to promote women and girls across the world. During his first term, President Trump made women's economic opportunity an imperative. He established the Women's Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, which to date has reached over 12 million women worldwide. At home, during his first term, female unemployment reached the lowest level in 50 years.
President Trump also signed the Women, Peace, and Security Act, a bill that I was very proud to have been a co-sponsor of when I was in the Senate, and it was the first comprehensive law passed in any country in the world - the first law passed by any country anywhere in the world - focused on protecting women and promoting their participation in society.
President Trump is also working now to fulfill his promise to end a brutal, brutal war that's going on in Europe as well as in the Middle East - wars that aren't just costing the lives of soldiers and civilians, but where women in these wars, in these conflicts, as you will hear somewhat today, are kidnapped, and they're assaulted, they're displaced, they're killed, their families are in danger.
And one of our honorees today knows that too well. Because on 7th October 2023, Amit Soussana was abducted from her home by Hamas, and upon her release, she shared details of the sexual violence she endured as a hostage, which allowed medical professionals to document the atrocities that she suffered. And this was at a time when people were denying that these atrocities were being committed and even blaming Israel for Hamas's brutality. Her bravery, her advocacy brings much-needed attention to the scourge of sexual violence in conflicts all over the world. Even as I speak to you now, there is sexual violence going on somewhere in the world in these various conflicts. It is a scourge.
There is so much more to be said about the accomplishments and the courage and the leadership of each of these great women. And let me reaffirm the importance of protecting women and girls and promoting their well-being are American goals. But they also happen to be a strong goal of our President, President Donald Trump. So to our honorees, congratulations, and thank you for your work to create a safer and more secure and just world.
In a moment, it'll be my distinct honor to welcome the First Lady of the United States to speak to you. She, too, is a woman of tremendous courage and of great accomplishment. She's an inspirational leader. Through her Be Best Initiative and her work now advocating the Take It Down Act, she's protected women and girls online and promoted their health and well-being.
So Madam First Lady, thank you so much for being with us today. I look forward to continuing to work with you to promote the well-being and prosperity of Americans. So ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome - it's a great honor to welcome the First Lady of the United States Melania Trump. (Applause.)
(The First Lady gives remarks.)
MS BRUCE: Thank you. Thank you. Beautiful remarks, weren't they? Just lovely. Thank you, everyone.
I'm Tammy Bruce. I'm the Spokesperson for the U.S. State Department. You guys are all so great, a great-looking room here, and it's an honor and a pleasure to be here with all of you.
So good afternoon, Madam First Lady, Secretary Rubio, Mrs. Rubio, and distinguished guests. Today, we celebrate the extraordinary achievements of eight women from across the globe who have demonstrated unparalleled courage, resilience, and leadership in the face of adversity. These remarkable individuals have shown us that courage knows no boundaries and that the strength of the human spirit can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
As we honor these exceptional women, we are reminded of the importance of their work and the impact these women have had on their own communities and beyond. Their stories inspire us to continue striving for a world where every woman and girl can live free from fear, discrimination, and violence. We are deeply grateful for their contributions and for the example that they set for future generations. Their courage reminds us that each of us has the power to affect that change and that, together, we can build a more just and peaceful world.
And they are here with us today - not just on video, but these women have joined us today here on this stage. It is an honor to stand here with all of you. And we have some awards. We're going to begin that right now. Here we go.
First of all, Amit Soussana from Israel was the first Israeli hostage from the October 7th attack to publicly recount the sexual violence she suffered while held captive in Gaza by Hamas. By bravely speaking out about the unspeakable horrors she endured, she showed the world the power that one individual can have when faced with unimaginable cruelty.
Shall we? There we go. Amit Soussana.
(The Award was presented.)
(Applause.)
MS BRUCE: Thank you. Thank you. Henriette Da from Burkina Faso is a human rights defender and a leader in organizations that promote religious tolerance and women's rights. In 2018, she was appointed president of the National Human Rights Commission in Burkina Faso. Henriette Da.
(The Award was presented.)
(Applause.)
MS BRUCE: Major Velena Iga from Papua New Guinea is a key figure in combating trafficking of and violence against women for over a decade. Her efforts have caused systemic changes in her country and have helped protect the most vulnerable people. Velena Iga.
(The Award was presented.)
(Applause.)
MS BRUCE: Angelique Songco from the Philippines, also known as Mama Ranger - (laughter) - leads a small team of rangers protecting the Tubbataha Reefs National Park from illegal fishing and poaching. Her work on maritime law enforcement includes a passion for rehabilitation and conservation. Under her leadership the reef has seen dramatic decreases in trespassers in that protected area. Angelique Songco - Mama Ranger.
(The Award was presented.)
(Applause.)
MS BRUCE: Beautiful. Georgiana Pascu from Romania has fought relentlessly for decades to secure the rights and safe treatment of thousands of children and adults with disabilities. She is leading the way in helping the world understand that women, girls, and persons with disabilities deserve to be protected. Georgiana Pascu.
(The Award is presented.)
(Applause.)
MS BRUCE: Beautiful. Zabib Musa Loro Bakhit from South Sudan is a women's rights leader in post-conflict settings and has held several regional and national leadership positions. Ms. Bakhit is the founder and executive director of Women for Justice and Equality, the leading implementer of Women, Peace, and Security grassroots programming across South Sudan. Zabib Musa Loro Bakhit.
(The Award was presented.)
(Applause.)
MS BRUCE: Namini Wijedasa from Sri Lanka is an award-winning investigative journalist initially chronicling the human toll of Sri Lanka's civil conflict, and while working to combat corruption to bring accountability to those in power. Her work not only aims to hold the most powerful accountable but also fosters dialogue on reconciliation, paving the way for a new generation of reporters. Namini Wijedasa.
(The Award was presented.)
(Applause.)
MS BRUCE: Amat Al-Salam Abdullah Abdo Al-Hajj, from Yemen, continues to be a powerful voice in bringing international attention to the plight of thousands of Yemeni detainees and their families. Ms. Hajj and her organization, the Abductees' Mothers Association, has played a pivotal role in documenting the abductions of over 9,500 people and securing the release of 950 forcibly disappeared individuals. It is just - so just a remarkable dynamic. Amat Al-Salam Abdullah Abdo Al-Hajj.
(The Award is presented.)
(Applause.)
MS BRUCE: Beautiful. Thank you, everyone. Beautifully done. Thank you. Thank you very much. And now, if I may, furthering here, I have the distinct honor of honoring once again, welcoming Amit Soussana from Isreal to the podium to speak with you a bit more, providing her remarks about her journey. Amit.
(Applause.)
MS SOUSSANA: Distinguished guests, fellow women of courage, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Madam First Lady Melania Trump: It's a pleasure being here today. It is with great - with deep gratitude that I stand before you today as an awardee of the 2025 International Women of Courage Award alongside the courageous women here, women that I am honored and grateful to have met.
This is an honor I never imagined receiving and one I wish I didn't have to accept under these circumstances. My name is Amit Soussana and I am a survivor. On October 7th my world changed forever. I was taken hostage by Hamas and held captive for 55 days - 55 days of fear of pain, and of being stripped of every freedom I once took for granted.
In captivity I had no control over my body, no control over my life. I resisted as best as I could, but it was not enough to stop what happened to me. The darkness was suffocating, yet even in the darkness there was one thing they could not have taken from me: the strength my mother installed in me; the belief that we must always stand for what is right, no matter the cost.
Courage to me means standing up for what you believe in, even when the odds are against you. It means staying true to your values, choosing hope when despair threatens to take over, and choosing love when confronted with hate.
It is an incredible honor to stand before you today, but it is also a deeply painful moment. While I am here, my friends remain in the darkness. Five hundred forty-three long days and nights, they are still suffering, still waiting, still hoping. Their voices remain unheard, so I will speak for them. We cannot move forward until they are free.
I vowed that if I would survive, I would never be silent; I would speak not just for myself but for every woman who had been silenced. When I first told my story, I only wanted to raise awareness about the horrors of captivity and the terror of October 7th. But my story became part of a much bigger conversation - one about sexual violence, about war, and about the unimaginable strength of women in the face of brutality. Women from all over the world reach out to me, sharing their own stories, their own pain. Their suffering is real. Their wounds are deep. And yet they endure, because that is what we, as women, do.
Today I understand the true meaning of freedom in a way that I never did before, not as something to be taken for granted but as something fragile and scarce; to simply step outside and look at the sky, to see the moon and the stars, to breathe, to choose one's own path. These are privileges I will never - I will never again overlook.
In Israel we are about to celebrate Passover, the story of liberation, of breaking free from bondage. But this will be the second Passover that the hostages remain in captivity. And across the world Christians will celebrate Easter, a time of renewal and hope. But for too many families there is no renewal, only waiting, only longing. They fear for what their loved ones are enduring and whether they will ever get to see them again.
I accept this award not for myself but in the name of all the brave women of Israel - the women who endure, who led, who refuse to break. Women are stronger - we are the stronger gender, not because we do not feel pain but because we rise from it, because we fight - not just for ourselves, but for those who cannot fight for themselves. Sorry.
This award comes at a critical moment. The hostages cannot wait. Every single day that passes is another day of unimaginable suffering. With every passing moment their pains - their pain deepens, their hope fades, and their chances of survival diminish. I call on the world to act to bring them home now - not tomorrow, not next week, now.
I am deeply grateful to President Trump and his administration for their role in the last hostages exchange, and I - and I trust that they will continue their efforts until every last hostage is free.
The International Women of Courage Award is more than an honor, it is a responsibility. It is a reminder that courage is not just about standing strong, it is about standing together. It is about fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves. It is about choosing justice over silence, action over fear.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to the U.S. Secretary of State for his dedication to the International Women of Courage Award. For years, this initiative has honored extraordinary women who champion justice, equality, and human rights, amplifying their voices and inspiring change worldwide. Their stories remind us all of the profound impact that one person's bravery can have over the world. By recognizing their courage, the State Department has played a vital role in empowering women.
Thank you for continuing this important tradition, for supporting these courageous leaders, and for ensuring that their efforts do not go unnoticed. May we never stop fighting for those in the darkness. May we never take our freedom for granted. And may we, as women, continue to lead the way towards justice, towards peace, and towards a world where no one is left behind. Thank you.
MS FOTOVAT: Thank you, Amit, for those incredibly powerful remarks. Your story and those of the other women honored here today represent the stories of countless courageous women around the world who each day make their communities and regions safe, and more peaceful, and more secure.
To all of our IWOC awardees - and you all haven't seen this, but they are such sisters right now already, and it's been just a few days, and it's beautiful and I have so many funny stories to tell of all of them. To all of our IWOC awardees - Henriette, Amit, Major Velena, Angelique, Georgiana, Zabib, Namini, and Amat - your tireless, courageous, inspiring work drives us forward.
I have to also - I'm going to take a moment and quote our First Lady that courage is strength in love. That was beautiful. Thank you so much. Your bravery and tenacity to defend the rights and liberties of the most in need embodies American values abroad. May a million flowers continue to bloom all over the world from the power of your courage and voices.
I also want to take a moment to again acknowledge that the Madeleine Albright Honorary Group Award for International Women of Courage is given to the student women protesters of Bangladesh.
And I want to thank all of our awardees for traveling great distances, taking great risk to themselves and their families to accept this award. Our sincere hope is that this award will be a stepping stone that will help you reach more people with your incredibly important work. And we will all - in this room and everyone watching - continue to be champions for those efforts. (Applause.)
In closing, I want to again thank our First Lady, our amazing First Lady, Mrs. Melania Trump. Please, another round of applause. (Applause.) And my boss, Secretary Rubio - (applause) - and Mrs. Rubio for generously hosting today's ceremony. (Applause.)
And I also want to thank our spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, for just taking the time to always be such a champion and doing our Daily Press Briefings across the department and continuing to champion the efforts of women. (Applause.)
I also want to thank the First Lady's team as well as Counselor Needham's team, the Assistant Secretary Exner's team, for all their efforts in making today possible. (Applause.) And a huge, huge shoutout to our wonderful S/GWI, Secretary Office of Global Women's Issues team, as well. (Applause.)
And finally, I want to extend our wonderful thanks to our Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs for their continued partnership on the IWOC program, especially our International Visitors Program1, for all your steadfast collaboration. (Applause.)
