Celebrating Global Courageous Women with Melania Trump

Melania Trump Celebrates Extraordinary Women of Courage

In a powerful ceremony held at the U.S. State Department, First Lady Melania Trump honored eight exceptional women with the prestigious International Women of Courage Award. This event not only celebrated their remarkable acts of bravery but also highlighted their ongoing commitment to advocacy, including the inspirational story of an Israeli hostage survivor. Trump characterized courage as a strength rooted in love and commended the honorees for their resilience in transforming adversity into positive action.

Highlights from the Ceremony

• Eight courageous women recognized for their advocacy work and bravery.
• Amit Soussana, honored for her resilience after being held captive by Hamas for 55 days.
• Georgiana Pascu celebrated for her dedication to rescuing disabled individuals in Romania.
• Honorees hail from diverse backgrounds, representing countries like Burkina Faso, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, and Yemen.
• A group award was presented to student protestors in Bangladesh, acknowledging their collective efforts in promoting justice.

The Essence of Courage

During the ceremony, First Lady Trump shared her profound reflections on the nature of courage, asserting that “true courage is born from love.” She emphasized the transformative influence that love has in driving justice and highlighted that these remarkable women exemplify the enduring power of compassion in creating positive change in the world.

Honorees Making a Difference

The 2025 International Women of Courage Award recipients each come from unique backgrounds and are recognized for their significant contributions to humanity:

• Henriette Da (Burkina Faso): A fierce advocate for human rights amid challenging circumstances.
• Major Velena Iga (Papua New Guinea): A military officer dedicated to assisting survivors of gender-based violence.
• Angelique Songco (Philippines): Known as “Mama Ranger,” she leads the fight against illegal poaching in conservation areas.
• Zabib Musa Loro Bakhit (South Sudan): A women’s rights activist striving for equality in conflict-affected locales.
• Namini Wijedasa (Sri Lanka): An investigative journalist uncovering political corruption and human rights violations.
• Amat Al-Salam Al-Hajj (Yemen): A notable advocate for families of those who have been abducted in Yemen.

Legacy of Bravery and Advocacy

This year’s ceremony also saw the introduction of a group award, honoring female student leaders in Bangladesh who bravely organized protests against government oppression in 2024, reflecting the spirit of solidarity and courage among women worldwide.

First Lady Trump concluded the event by urging everyone to elevate the voices of these courageous women and support their causes. Her closing message resonated deeply, encouraging all to be inspired by their resilience and committed to the ongoing struggles for women’s rights and social justice.

The International Women of Courage Award, now in its 19th year, continues to shine a light on women fighting for change across the globe, recognizing over 200 remarkable women from more than 90 nations. These awards serve as a testament to the indomitable strength of women who challenge injustice, often at great personal risk.