Our AWIU village gathered on Tuesday night, April 8, to celebrate the 2025 International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awardees. With the generous support from our sponsors and patrons, the dedication of a fabulous Celebration Committee, our strong partnership with the US State Department Office of Global Women’s Issues, and a great production team, we achieved our goal to honor and pay tribute to the IWOC Awardees.
Joining the eight IWOC Award recipients being recognized this year, we were thrilled to welcome IWOC Alumnae from 2017 and 2018, Honorary Committee members, State Department dignitaries, sponsors, patrons, AWIU members, and guests.
While the Awardees represented eight countries and four continents, they have one thing in common: they fight for the rights of women and girls around the world. They stand up for themselves and others, defend democracy in places where it is challenged, protect their communities, and advocate for the human rights of those who are not able to advocate for themselves.
We came together to hear three of the Awardees’ stories. Henriette Da from Burkina Faso touched our hearts when she said she returns home stronger because of the Award and her time in the US. Major Velena Iga, the International Woman of Courage from Papua New Guinea shared that, to her, courage means strength, determination, and helping people who are being silenced. From the Philippines, Angelique Songco asked for our commitment to continue to support environmental and sustainability projects around the world.
We also acknowledged the 2025 Madeleine Albright Honorary Group IWOC Award, which went to the women student protest leaders of Bangladesh. Their bravery, innovation, and resolve exemplify true courage.
Thank you to Lynette Romero, Emmy Award-winning co-anchor of NBC4’s Today in L.A., for being our outstanding host.
Many thanks to our 2025 Sponsors and Patrons.
Inspired by the work of the eight incredible 2025 International Women of Courage, we can all walk with renewed purpose until we gather again to meet the 2026 Awardees.
