Department of State * United States of America * Mission U.S. to UNESCO
You are in:  The U.S. and UNESCO > Other U.S. Initiatives and News > U.S. Honors International Women of Courage During U.S. Women's History Month
U.S. Policy Statements U.S. Policy Statements
      General Conference  General Conference 
      Executive Board  Executive Board 
      Other Remarks  Other Remarks 
The U.S. and UNESCO The U.S. and UNESCO
      Education  Education 
      Natural Sciences  Natural Sciences 
      Culture  Culture 
      World Heritage  World Heritage 
      Communication and Information  Communication 
and Information
      Social and Human Sciences  Social and
Human Sciences
Other U.S. Initiatives Other U.S. Initiatives and News
About the Mission About the Mission
      Ambassador  Ambassador 
      Deputy  Deputy 
      General Information  General Information 
U.S. National Commission U.S. National Commission for UNESCO
Other Links Other Links
Education Banner
U.S. Honors International Women of Courage During U.S. Women's History Month
March, 2008
U.S. Professor Elizabeth BLACKBURN, L’Oreal-UNESCO Women in Science Laureate for North America.
Secretary Rice announces recipients of the 2nd annual International Women of Courage awards, in the Benjamin Franklin Room of the State Department
© State


In conjunction with Women's History Month in the U.S., Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced the eight recipients of this year’s Secretary of State's Award for International Women of Courage on March 10, 2008.

Secretary Rice established the Award in 2007 as part of a program that recognizes emerging women leaders around the globe who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for women's rights and empowerment. It is an opportunity to pay tribute to women from around the world, who courageously champion equal rights in their communities, and whose personal sacrifice is an inspiration to all who seek peaceful change. President Bush has said that, “The struggle for women's rights is a story of strong women willing to take the lead.” The eight women honored by this year’s award are the living embodiment of that fact.

At a ceremony held on March 10, 2008, at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., Secretary Rice said, “I am honored to join you all as we celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day. The day is an opportunity to highlight a broad range of issues of common concern to all women, regardless of their race, creed, or nationality. It is a time to reflect on past accomplishments, to recognize current reform efforts that are underway, and to acknowledge the challenges that still lie ahead.”

Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky presented the awards to the honorees at the ceremony. This year’s recipients are: Suraya Pakzad (Afghanistan); Virisila Buadromo (Fiji); Dr. Eaman Al-Gobory (Iraq); Valdete Idrizi (Kosovo); Nibal Thawabteh (Palestinian Authority); Dr. Begum Jan (Pakistan); Cynthia Bendlin (Paraguay); Farhiyo Farah Ibrahim (Somalia).

The United States also celebrates Women’s History Month in March. The theme for this year’s celebration has been designated as “Women’s Art: Women’s Vision,” and commemorates the accomplishments of 12 women artists. The annual celebration of Women’s History in the U.S. began in 1981, when the U.S. Congress passed a resolution establishing National Women's History Week. In 1987, Congress expanded the week to a month, and has since passed such a resolution every year. Congressional action is followed by a U.S. presidential proclamation declaring March as Women’s History Month.

Links of interest

Media Note: Secretary of State Confers the International Women of Courage Awards
View video

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Remarks at International Women of Courage Award Ceremony

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Remarks to Women Leaders Working Group: Empowering Women to Work for Peace, Brussels, Belgium, March 6, 2008
View video

Mrs. Bush's Remarks at USAID Celebration of International Women's Day

Mrs. Bush's Remarks at USAID Celebration of International Women's Day

“Courageous Women in Iraq, Afghanistan and Beyond: A Record of Success in Democratic Transition” Andrea G. Bottner, Senior Coordinator, Office of International Women's Issues Remarks to the Heritage Foundation, Washington, DC, March 5, 2008

Women’s History, Accomplishments Celebrated Every March

The National Women's History Project (NWHP)

Library of Congress: Women’s History Month

Library of Congress - The Learning Page: Women’s History

Places Where Women Made History in the U.S.

International Women's Day (United Nations)

UNESCO celebrates International Women’s Day

Interview with Women’s Rights Activist Paola Gianturco, an American philanthropist who took part in UNESCO's Roundtable on gender equality on March 10, 2008

 
back to top ▲