The United States will honor women student leaders from Bangladesh for their crucial role in the 2024 protests against the Sheikh Hasina government. These female movement leaders, who drove the movement, will be awarded the prestigious Madeleine Albright Honorary Group Award at the 19th annual International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awards.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and First Lady Melania Trump will host the IWOC Awards ceremony at the Department of State on Tuesday. The IWOC Awards, founded in 2007, have recognized more than 200 women from over 90 countries for their strength and leadership in adversity.
Bangladeshi Women Defied Repression
“A courageous cohort of women were among the principal drivers of the student protest movement against violent crackdowns in Bangladesh in July-August 2024. They showed remarkable courage, such as standing between security forces and male protesters despite threats and violence,” the US State Department stated.
The department also brought to the fore that when male protestors were detained, these women took pioneering steps to keep communicating and organizing protests, defying censorship attempts even during a total internet shutdown.
“The courage and selflessness of these women in times of uncertainty was the epitome of courage,” the statement continued.
Sri Lankan Journalist Awarded ‘Best Investigative Reporting
Another recipient is Sri Lankan award-winning journalist Namini Wijedasa, who has reported at length on the human cost of the country’s civil war.
“Throughout her career, her interest eventually turned to the fight against corruption through investigative reporting, raising vital issues of accountability and encouraging a new generation of journalists,” the statement added.
In spite of repressive legislation curbing freedom of the press, Wijedasa continues to campaign for transparency and accountability in government.
Israeli Advocate Honored for Raising Awareness on Hostage Crisis
Amit Soussana of Israel is also one of the recipients. Being a survivor of the October 7 Hamas attack, she has been an open advocate of the trauma experienced by hostages and continues to advocate for hostages who remain in captivity.
Soussana, a lawyer and a licensed member of the Israel Bar Association since 2014, “utilizes her voice to boldly fight for survivors by employing her own experience to explain the trauma she endured as a hostage of the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel,” the statement continued.
The IWOC Awards continue to cast a global spotlight on women who manifest resilience and leadership in adverse situations. These women represent the real meaning of courage, inspiring reform and development across the globe.
