International Women of Courage Awards 2025
The International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awards recognize extraordinary women who have demonstrated unwavering courage, leadership, and resilience in their fight for justice, human rights, and gender equality. Established in 2007 by the U.S. Department of State, the awards have honored over 190 women from more than 90 countries, celebrating their vital contributions to society, often made at great personal risk.
How Are the Winners Chosen?
The winners are nominated by U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, ensuring that their achievements are recognized on an international level. The U.S. Department of State then conducts a thorough selection process, which includes background checks, interviews, and evaluations of the nominees' contributions. Finalists are chosen based on their demonstrated courage in fighting injustice, promoting peace, and defending human rights.
The 2025 IWOC Awards were presented on April 1, 2025, in Washington, D.C., with First Lady Melania Trump delivering a keynote speech. This year’s honorees include eight incredible women from around the world, each of whom has dedicated her life to making a difference.
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Meet the 2025 International Women of Courage Awardees
Henriette Da (Burkina Faso) – Champion of Human Rights
Henriette Da, a sociologist and human rights defender, has spent her career advocating for women's rights and social justice in Burkina Faso. Before becoming an activist, she worked as a socio-anthropological researcher in the health sector and later as an educator. She is a founding member of Burkina Faso’s Association for Religious Tolerance and Intercommunity Dialogue and has served as president of several civil society organizations.
In 2018, she was appointed President of the National Human Rights Commission, where she became a fearless advocate for the rights of the people in Burkina Faso. Despite political instability and growing security challenges in her country, Da has spoken out against human rights abuses, working to protect marginalized communities.
Her unwavering dedication to justice and equality made her a deserving recipient of the 2025 IWOC Award.
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Amit Soussana (Israel) – Advocate for Hostage Survivors
Amit Soussana survived a 55-day captivity by Hamas following the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. Using her own harrowing experience, she has become a powerful voice for other hostages and survivors, raising global awareness of the inhumane conditions they endured.
As an attorney specializing in intellectual property law, she has worked with prominent firms, demonstrating her resilience and ability to fight for justice both in her legal career and advocacy work. She has used her platform to bring international attention to the hostages still held by Hamas, demanding justice and support for their families.
Her bravery and determination to speak out on behalf of others made her a standout choice for the IWOC Award.
Major Velena Iga (Papua New Guinea) – Defender of Women’s Rights
For over a decade, Major Velena Iga has worked tirelessly to combat violence against women, human trafficking, and sorcery accusation-related violence in Papua New Guinea. She has pioneered initiatives such as the “1-Tok” counseling hotline, offering support and legal guidance to victims of abuse.
Her efforts have helped change laws and social attitudes toward gender-based violence in her country. Through her work in direct case management, advocacy, and training, she has provided critical support for survivors and pushed for systemic reforms.
Her dedication to creating a safer, more just society for women and vulnerable communities earned her the IWOC Award.
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Angelique Songco (Philippines) – Guardian of Marine Conservation
Nicknamed "Mama Ranger", Angelique Songco has spent over 20 years protecting the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park from illegal fishing and poaching. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 360 species of coral and nearly 700 species of fish and plays a vital role in Philippines’ marine biodiversity and economy.
Songco has successfully merged maritime law enforcement with conservation efforts, drastically reducing illegal activities in the protected area. Her leadership has not only preserved marine life but also created a sustainable model for conservation that benefits local communities.
Her passion, resilience, and innovative approach to environmental protection made her a worthy recipient of the IWOC Award.
Georgiana Pascu (Romania) – Advocate for Disability Rights
For over 25 years, Georgiana Pascu has fought for the rights of institutionalized children and adults with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities. Through monitoring visits, legal advocacy, and public awareness campaigns, she has worked to de-institutionalize those trapped in Romania’s care facilities.
Her efforts contributed to the first legal framework for monitoring institutions, ensuring better treatment for thousands of vulnerable individuals. She also played a key role in a landmark disability rights case at the European Court of Human Rights, highlighting abuse and neglect in Romania’s state-run institutions.
Her groundbreaking work in disability rights advocacy earned her the IWOC Award.
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Melania Trump’s Speech: A Message of Love and Strength
During the ceremony, First Lady Melania Trump delivered a speech that emphasized the power of love and resilience. Speaking to the honorees, she praised their unwavering commitment to justice and highlighted the personal sacrifices they have made in their fight for human rights.
"Throughout my life, I have harnessed the power of love as a source of strength during challenging times," she said. "Love has inspired me to embrace forgiveness, nurture empathy, and exhibit bravery in the face of unforeseen obstacles."
Trump’s remarks focused on how courage is rooted in love, and she encouraged the world to recognize the sacrifices these women have made for a better future. She also called on governments and global organizations to continue supporting women who work tirelessly to bring change to their communities.
The First Lady concluded her speech by reaffirming the United States’ commitment to standing with women leaders across the globe, ensuring that their voices are heard and their efforts recognized.
Conclusion
The 2025 International Women of Courage Awards highlighted the extraordinary bravery and resilience of eight women who have dedicated their lives to fighting for justice, human rights, and equality. Their stories serve as a reminder that change is possible when individuals stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
There is an irony to see Melania Trump headlining the 2025 International Women of Courage Awards celebrating women around the world who have advocated for women's rights. Donald Trump's history of policies as well as those possible in the future of the US clearly show us a lack of respect for women's rights. While the event honors female empowerment and resilience, Trump's administration previously rolled back reproductive rights, downplayed gender equality initiatives, and faced numerous allegations of misogyny. Melania's participation highlights a contradiction—her public persona as a supporter of women’s causes clashing with the political reality of the administration she stood beside. So, who is the real Melania Trump?
