First Lady Melania Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio attend the International Women of Courage Awards.
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NewsTranscript
00:00Distinguished guests, welcome.
00:07Secretaries united.
00:10Accompanied by the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump.
00:17Thank you very much.
01:49Good afternoon.
01:50Please everyone be seated.
01:51Thank you so much.
01:54So good afternoon, everyone.
01:55I have to say I'm so excited.
01:57Thank you all for being here in this historic setting of the Benjamin Franklin Room here
02:02at the Department of State.
02:04I'm Kat Vodovac, the Senior Bureau Official for the Secretary's Office of Global Women's
02:09Issues, or SGW as we call it here.
02:12I'm so honored to be with you all today at the 19th Annual International Women of Courage
02:19Award Ceremony.
02:30We are so excited to have so many distinguished guests and our courageous awardees.
02:36I'm so glad the weather in D.C. greeted you all with our beautiful cherry blossoms and
02:40a million blooms just like the courage blooming all over the world inspired by the incredible
02:46women we honor here today.
02:49Established by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, this annual award celebrates women leaders
02:55from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership,
03:01often at great personal risk or sacrifice.
03:05Nineteen years, which is the same age as myself, is a testament to the importance of this award
03:11and the work it represents, a clear and powerful statement that the United States strongly
03:17supports the participation and protection of women and girls, the defense of their human
03:23rights, and their empowerment.
03:35None of this would be possible without leadership and support at the highest levels, starting
03:41with President Trump.
03:43Thank you to First Lady Melania Trump and Secretary Rubio for your deep, longstanding
03:49commitment to women and girls globally.
03:51We are so thrilled to have so many members of the Cabinet and Congress and their staff
03:55here as well.
03:57I'm so proud to be here representing SGB.
04:01Our mission has been to promote the rights and empowerment of women and girls globally
04:05as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy.
04:09As President Trump said, when women are empowered to participate in civic and economic life,
04:13their communities, their families, and countries are more prosperous, healthy, and safe.
04:19My office works across three main areas that, as the Secretary outlined, advances the President's
04:25America First vision.
04:27Making America safer by ensuring the protection of women and girls from violence, a central
04:33part of securing our border, combating terrorism, and fostering global peace and security.
04:39Making America stronger by advancing women's meaningful participation in political, peace,
04:45and security processes, leading to longer-lasting peace and stability around the world.
04:51Making America more prosperous by supporting women's economic empowerment and fostering
04:57American investments, innovation, and interest over our strategic competitors.
05:03Now, the International Women of Courage Awards highlight the critical role women play in
05:07peace and stability.
05:09The eight individuals who you will learn more about in just a moment embody those American
05:13values abroad and promote efforts that their countries and regions are more secure.
05:19I am pleased now to introduce their stories to you.
05:23Please see the screen.
05:25In the house of war, I lead efforts to support survivors of gender-based violence, social
05:45re-acquisition, related violence, and trafficking in persons.
05:49I am passionate about shaping a network of change-makers to build a country where everyone
05:53can live free from violence.
05:55Experience as a child-married survivor motivated me to start up the organization so that I
06:03can be able to tackle issues of unmarried women in my community and South Sudan at large.
06:09World Day has empowered more than 15,000 survivors in the community.
06:14I work in the field of kidnappers, kidnappers, and detainees.
06:20We work with mothers, kidnappers' daughters and daughters-in-law to release their children
06:26and peace always starts from the hearts of mothers.
06:30Every person with disabilities deserves fair treatment.
06:34This is my life work and the mission of my organization.
06:38The work continues, but we are confident we have tools.
06:41Change is possible.
06:43The question of human rights is very problematic because it is misunderstood.
06:47I have reasons to be satisfied when I manage to convince the authorities to defend human
06:52rights defenders.
06:54And also when people who are against human rights tell me, Madam, about your sensitization,
07:01I understand.
07:03I commit to sensitizing my community.
07:06On October 7th, I was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists.
07:10I survived 55 days in captivity.
07:13Upon my release, I vow to tell my story because keeping it inside will destroy me.
07:18Courage for me means standing up for what you believe in.
07:21It means being true to your values and choosing hope and love even when faced with darkness.
07:27I'm a journalist, and that's how I want people to see myself, and that's how I've made people
07:32see myself.
07:33The corruption story is unfortunately not going to end, and the impact I want to have
07:39is not to change governments.
07:41I want systems to change.
07:43I want laws to be put in place.
07:45I want institutions to be strengthened so that people are not able to abuse them.
07:50And that is what we have, as investigative journalists, always fought for, and that's
07:55what I will keep fighting for.
07:57Conserving Tugbata is ensuring the food security of the country.
08:01As a marine protected area, we have become a model for other marine protected areas.
08:07We have brought pride to the country, and we have contributed to the global conservation goals.
08:13For me, courage means making a decision, making one's choices despite the uncertainties.
08:19I think you can see the clear courage amongst all these incredible women.
08:41Now, it is my distinct honor to introduce, from the great state of Florida like myself,
08:47our Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
08:50Go Gators!
08:51Secretary Rubio has been a long, dedicated champion for women and girls around the world.
09:07As a U.S. Senator, he worked tirelessly to advance policies that strengthen women's
09:11roles in peace and security efforts, recognize their critical contributions to global security
09:16and American strength.
09:18He also worked to ensure that girls, particularly in conflict zones, have access to education.
09:24He played pivotal roles in making sure their efforts to end violence and human trafficking,
09:29striving to create safer environments for women and girls around the world.
09:34As a father of daughters, I know his passion for these issues is also deeply personal.
09:39Driving his commitment to a future where all women and girls have the opportunity to lead,
09:44succeed, and thrive.
09:47Mr. Secretary, over to you.
09:56Thank you very much for all of you for being here.
10:01First Lady, thank you for joining us.
10:03We're so honored you would be here today with us at the State Department.
10:06All of our award recipients, you'll hear about them more in a moment.
10:09You saw that video, very moving, very touching.
10:11You'll learn more about them.
10:12All of my colleagues and distinguished guests.
10:14A special recognition for the members of our Cabinet who are here today.
10:18Why don't you guys stand up so we can recognize you.
10:20Our Attorney General, the Secretary of Small Business, the Education, and the Labor.
10:33And we're missing Tulsi Gabbard because she's probably spying somewhere, I know.
10:37So she's busy.
10:39But thank you, thank you for being here and joining us.
10:41And listen, good afternoon and welcome to the State Department.
10:43This is a beautiful room.
10:45We don't use it often enough.
10:46But this is an appropriate setting in which to use it.
10:48And we're so grateful to be honoring this year's International Women Courage Awardees.
10:54This has been going on since 2007 when one of my predecessors, Secretary Condoleezza Rice,
10:59instituted this award.
11:01And since then, recognized over 200 women for their work promoting peace and prosperity
11:07and human rights in communities and countries across the world.
11:11And what we recognize more than that is not just their work, but the fact that they do so
11:16oftentimes at extraordinary risk to themselves, to their families, to their loved ones.
11:22Not just important work, but work that took courage.
11:25And that's why we recognize it with the International Women Courage Award here today.
11:30I'd briefly like to honor a leader.
11:32You saw her a moment ago, Katrina Vojtova.
11:36Did I say that right?
11:38Katrina, we call her Kat.
11:40And she's done a great job.
11:41Without you and your team putting this together, it would not have been possible.
11:45I want to also personally thank the woman of courage who lives in my home, my wife, Jeanette.
11:57And I say that relatively speaking because, you know, courage is, I mean, you know,
12:08there are challenges with three kids under 22 years of age or 23, as you know,
12:13especially a 17-year-old that's still in high school, you know, and they have the world figured out.
12:17Anyway, thank you.
12:18Because without her, I would not be able to do this.
12:20So we thank you very much and for being here today.
12:23You know, at the State Department and under President Trump, we try to take every opportunity
12:28to defend and to promote women and girls across the world.
12:31During his first term, President Trump made women's economic opportunity an imperative.
12:36He established the Women's Global Development and Prosperity Initiative,
12:40which to date has reached over 12 million women worldwide.
12:45At home, during his first term, female unemployment reached the lowest level in 50 years.
12:53President Trump also signed the Women, Peace, and Security Act,
12:56a bill that I was very proud to have been a co-sponsor of when I was in the Senate.
13:00And it was the first comprehensive law passed in any country in the world,
13:04the first law passed by any country anywhere in the world,
13:07focused on protecting women and promoting their participation in society.
13:12President Trump is also working now to fulfill his promise to end a brutal,
13:18brutal war that's going on in Europe as well as in the Middle East,
13:22wars that aren't just costing the lives of soldiers and civilians,
13:26but where women in these wars, in these conflicts, as you will hear somewhat today,
13:31are kidnapped, they're assaulted, they're displaced, they're killed, their families are in danger.
13:38And one of our honorees today knows that too well.
13:41Because on 7th October of 2023, Amit Susana was abducted from her home by Hamas.
13:48And upon her release, she shared details of the sexual violence she endured as a hostage,
13:53which allowed medical professionals to document the atrocities that she suffered.
13:58And this was at a time when people were denying that these atrocities were being committed.
14:03And even blaming Israel for Hamas's brutality.
14:07Her bravery, her advocacy brings much needed attention to the scourge of sexual violence
14:13and conflicts all over the world, even as I speak to you now.
14:17There is sexual violence going on somewhere in the world in these various conflicts.
14:21It is a scourge.
14:23There is so much more to be said about the accomplishments and the courage
14:27and leadership of each of these great women.
14:29And let me reaffirm the importance of protecting women and girls
14:33and promoting their well-being are American goals.
14:36But they also happen to be a strong goal of our President, President Donald Trump.
14:41So to our honorees, congratulations and thank you for your work
14:44to create a safer and more secure and just world.
14:48In a moment it will be my distinct honor to welcome the First Lady of the United States to speak to you.
14:53She too is a woman of tremendous courage and a great accomplishment.
14:56She's an inspirational leader through her Be Best initiative
15:01and her work now advocating the Take It Down Act.
15:04She's protected women and girls online and promoted their health and well-being.
15:09So Madam First Lady, thank you so much for being with us today.
15:12I look forward to continuing to work with you to promote the well-being and prosperity of Americans.
15:17So ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome, it's a great honor to welcome
15:20the First Lady of the United States.
15:50Good afternoon and thank you, Secretary Kerry.
15:54Throughout my life, I have harnessed the power of love
15:58as a source of strength during challenging times.
16:02Love has inspired me to embrace forgiveness, nurture empathy,
16:08and exhibit bravery in the face of unforeseen obstacles.
16:14Today, we celebrate courage, a strength that is based in love.
16:22This truth is illustrated through our honorees,
16:26who prove that love can inspire extraordinary valor,
16:30even in the face of vulnerability.
16:34Their remarkable stories, a testament to the power of love in practice
16:40for family, community, and our world.
16:44This is especially evident in places where their passion defies convention
16:50and where it has been shown at great personal risk of stigma, persecution, or harm.
16:58The courageous Georgiana Koskou, one of our award recipients,
17:04exemplifies love in action.
17:08Georgiana is a watchdog who defends the dignity of Romanians
17:14whose voices cannot be heard.
17:18She fearlessly enters facilities designated as care centers
17:24to rescue people with disabilities who are unwittingly held captive.
17:30In fact, Georgiana usually shows up unannounced
17:34and discovers them unimaginably, helpless adults and children bound,
17:40sedated, starving, and in extreme cases, dying.
17:46Thanks to Georgiana's brave work, dozens of offenders have been charged
17:52with human trafficking, exploitation, and even organized crime.
17:58We are honored to join an exceptional assembly of brave women
18:02who have shown their love and refuse to let fear or hardship define them.
18:08Their collective achievements and dedication move us all.
18:14Let us also take a moment to acknowledge those who persist in their struggles.
18:20For each of them, love serves as a powerful catalyst,
18:26instilling in the profound sense of purpose in their endeavors.
18:30To the women who are driven to speak out for justice,
18:36even though their voices are trembling.
18:40To the women who are motivated to rise up for their community
18:44when others remain indifferent.
18:48To the women who feel compelled to heal wounds caused by hatred and cherish peace.
18:54The 2025 International Women of Courage Award recipients
19:00came from diverse backgrounds and regions.
19:04Yet, love transcends boundaries and territories.
19:10It is a universal language.
19:12Their courage propels us of humanity forward
19:16by advocating to end violence against women and girls,
19:20promoting democratic governance, defending human rights,
19:26championing education, and fighting injustice.
19:30Through their efforts, they instigate progress for all of humanity.
19:36These extraordinary women illuminate the transformative power of love
19:42in shaping our world.
19:44Their journeys remind us that true courage is born from a deep commitment to others,
19:50showing that love fuels the call for justice.
19:56Through their brave actions, they inspire us to embrace our own potential for change,
20:04teaching us that while courage drives us forward,
20:08it is love that lays the groundwork for lasting impact.
20:12Let their stories motivate us to take courageous steps,
20:18knowing that each act of love can spark a ripple of transformation.
20:24Thank you, and thank you for being here today.
20:44Beautiful remarks, weren't they?
20:46Just lovely.
20:47Thank you, everyone.
20:48I'm Tammy Bruce.
20:49I'm the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department.
20:51You guys are also great.
20:53Great-looking room here.
20:54And it's an honor and a pleasure to be here with all of you.
20:57So good afternoon, Madam First Lady, Secretary Rubio, Mrs. Rubio,
21:02and distinguished guests.
21:04Today we celebrate the extraordinary achievements of eight women from across the globe
21:09who have demonstrated unparalleled courage, resilience, and leadership in the face of adversity.
21:15These remarkable individuals have shown us that courage knows no boundaries
21:19and that the strength of the human spirit can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
21:24As we honor these exceptional women, we are reminded of the importance of their work
21:29and the impact these women have had on their own communities and beyond.
21:35Their stories inspire us to continue striving for a world where every woman and girl
21:40can live free from fear, discrimination, and violence.
21:45We are deeply grateful for their contributions
21:48and for the example that they set for future generations.
21:52Their courage reminds us that each of us has the power to effect that change
21:57and that together we can build a more just and peaceful world.
22:02And they are here with us today, not just on video,
22:05but these women have joined us today here on this stage.
22:08It is an honor to stand here with all of you.
22:12And we have some awards. We're going to begin that right now. Here we go.
22:17First of all, Amit Susanna from Israel was the first Israeli hostage from the October 7th attack
22:24to publicly recount the sexual violence she suffered while held captive in Gaza by Hamas.
22:30By bravely speaking out about the unspeakable horrors she endured,
22:33she showed the world the power that one individual can have when faced with unimaginable cruelty.
22:40Shall we?
22:54Amit Susanna.
23:23Anrit Da from Burkina Faso is a human rights defender
23:27and a leader in organizations that promote religious tolerance and women's rights.
23:32In 2018, she was appointed president of the National Human Rights Commission in Burkina Faso.
23:39Anrit Da.
23:54Major Valina Higa from Papua New Guinea is a key figure in combating trafficking of
24:03and violence against women for over a decade.
24:06Her efforts have caused systemic changes in her country
24:09and have helped protect the most vulnerable people.
24:12Valina Higa.
24:31Angelique Sonko from the Philippines, also known as Mama Ranger,
24:36leads a small team of rangers protecting the Tabuta Reefs National Park from illegal fishing and poaching.
24:44Her work on maritime law enforcement includes a passion for rehabilitation and conservation.
24:50Under her leadership, the reef has seen dramatic decreases in trespassers in that protected area.
24:58Angelique Sonko.
25:03Mama Ranger.
25:17Georgiana Pascu from Romania has fought relentlessly for decades to secure the rights and safe treatment
25:23of thousands of children and adults with disabilities.
25:27She is leading the way in helping the world understand that women, girls, and persons with disabilities
25:33deserve to be protected.
25:35Georgiana Pascu.
25:57Zabih Musa Loro-Bakit from South Sudan is a women's rights leader in post-conflict settings
26:04and has held several regional and national leadership positions.
26:08Ms. Bakit is the founder and executive director of Women for Justice and Equality,
26:12the leading implementer of women, peace, and security grassroots programming across South Sudan.
26:19Zabih Musa Loro-Bakit.
26:35Namini Vijay Dasu from Sri Lanka is an award-winning investigative journalist,
26:43initially chronicling the human toll of Sri Lanka's civil conflict
26:48and while working to combat corruption to bring accountability to those in power.
26:52Her work not only aims to hold the most powerful accountable,
26:55but also fosters dialogue on reconciliation, paving the way for a new generation of reporters.
27:03Namini Vijay Dasu.
27:05Amad El-Salam Abdullah Abdo El-Hamish from Yemen
27:29continues to be a powerful voice in bringing international attention
27:33to the plight of thousands of Yemeni detainees and their families.
27:37Ms. Haj and her organization, the Abductees Mothers Association,
27:41has played a pivotal role in documenting the abductions of over 9,500 people
27:47and securing the release of 950 forcibly disappeared individuals.
27:54Remarkable dynamic.
27:57Amad El-Salam Abdullah Abdo El-Hamish.
28:20Thank you, everyone.
28:24Beautifully done.
28:27Thank you very much.
28:28And now, if I may, furthering here, I have the distinct honor of honoring once again
28:37and welcoming Amit Azuzana from Israel to the podium to speak with you a bit more,
28:43providing her remarks about her journey.
28:46Amit.
28:58Distinguished guests, fellow women of courage, Secretary of State Marco Rubio
29:03and Madam First Lady, Madam Trump, it's a pleasure being here today.
29:09It is with deep gratitude that I stand before you today
29:13as an awardee of the 2025 International Women of Courage Award,
29:19alongside the courageous women here, women that I'm honored and grateful to have met.
29:25This is an honor I never imagined receiving
29:28and one I wish I didn't have to accept under these circumstances.
29:33My name is Amit Azuzana, and I am a survivor.
29:36On October 7th, my world changed forever.
29:39I was taken hostage by Hamas and held captive for 55 days,
29:4455 days of fear, of pain, and of being stripped of every freedom I once took for granted.
29:51In captivity, I had no control over my body, no control over my life.
29:57I resisted as best as I could, but it was not enough to stop what happened to me.
30:04The darkness was suffocating, yet even in the darkness,
30:08there was one thing they could not have taken from me,
30:11the strength my mother instilled in me,
30:14the belief that we must always stand for what is right, no matter the cost.
30:19Courage to me means standing up for what you believe in.
30:24Even when the odds are against you, it means staying true to your values,
30:28choosing hope when despair threatens to take over,
30:32and choosing love when confronted with hate.
30:35It is an incredible honor to stand before you today,
30:38but it is also a deeply painful moment.
30:41While I am here, my friends remain in the darkness.
30:45543 long days and nights, they are still suffering, still waiting, still hoping.
30:52Their voices remain unheard, so I will speak for them.
30:57We cannot move forward until they are free.
31:00I vowed that if I would survive, I would never be silent.
31:05I would speak not just for myself, but for every woman who had been silenced.
31:10When I first told my story, I only wanted to raise awareness
31:14about the horrors of captivity and the terror of October 7th,
31:18but my story became part of a much bigger conversation,
31:23one about sexual violence, about war,
31:26and about the unimaginable strength of women in the face of brutality.
31:31Women from all over the world reach out to me, sharing their own stories, their own pain.
31:37Their suffering is real, their wounds are deep, and yet they endure,
31:42because that is what we as women do.
31:46Today, I understand the true meaning of freedom in a way that I never did before,
31:51not as something to be taken for granted, but as something fragile and scarce.
31:56To simply step outside and look at the sky, to see the moon and the stars,
32:01to breathe, to choose one's own path,
32:05these are privileges I will never again overlook.
32:10In Israel, we are about to celebrate Passover,
32:13the story of liberation, of breaking free from bondage.
32:18But this will be the second Passover that the hostages remain in captivity.
32:24And across the world, Christians will celebrate Easter, a time of renewal and hope.
32:29But for too many families, there is no renewal, only waiting, only longing.
32:35They fear for what their loved ones are enduring,
32:38and whether they will ever get to see them again.
32:42I accept this award not for myself,
32:45but in the name of all the brave women of Israel,
32:48the women who endure, who lead, who refuse to break.
32:52We are the stronger gender, not because we do not feel pain,
32:57but because we rise from it, because we fight, not just for ourselves,
33:02but for those who cannot fight for themselves.
33:06Sorry.
33:13This award comes at a critical moment.
33:16The hostages cannot wait.
33:18Every single day that passes is another day of unimaginable suffering.
33:23With every passing moment, their pain deepens,
33:27their hope fades, and their chances of survival diminish.
33:31I call on the world to act, to bring them home now,
33:34not tomorrow, not next week, now.
33:38I am deeply grateful to President Trump and his administration
33:42for their role in the last hostages exchange,
33:45and I trust that they will continue their efforts until every last hostage is free.
33:51The International Women of Courage Award is more than an honor.
33:55It is a responsibility.
33:57It is a reminder that courage is not just about standing strong.
34:01It is about standing together.
34:03It is about fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves.
34:07It is about choosing justice over silence, action over fear.
34:12I want to express my deepest gratitude to the U.S. Secretary of State
34:16for its dedication to the International Women of Courage Award.
34:20For years, this initiative has honored extraordinary women
34:24who champion justice, equality, and human rights,
34:27amplifying their voices and inspiring change worldwide.
34:32Their stories remind us all of the profound impact
34:36that one person's bravery can have over the world.
34:40By recognizing their courage,
34:43the State Department has played a vital role in empowering women.
34:47Thank you for continuing this important tradition,
34:50for supporting these courageous leaders,
34:52and for ensuring that their efforts do not go unnoticed.
34:56May we never stop fighting for those in the darkness.
34:59May we never take our freedom for granted.
35:02And may we, as women, continue to lead the way towards justice,
35:06towards peace, and toward the world where no one is left behind.
35:42Thank you, Amit, for those incredibly powerful remarks.
35:54Your story and those of the other women honored here today
35:58represent the stories of countless courageous women around the world
36:03who each day make their communities and regions safe
36:07and more peaceful and more secure.
36:12To all of our Iowa Hordees, and you all haven't seen this,
36:14but they are such sisters right now already,
36:17and it's been just a few days, and it's beautiful,
36:19and I have so many funny stories to tell of all of them.
36:23To all of our Iowa Hordees,
36:26Amit, Major Valina, Angelique, Georgiana, Zabib, Namini, and Ahmad,
36:34your tireless, courageous, inspiring work drives us forward.
36:39I have to also take a moment and quote our First Lady,
36:42that courage is strength in love.
36:47That was beautiful.
36:48Thank you so much.
36:50Your bravery and tenacity to defend the rights and liberties
36:53of the most in need embodies American values abroad.
36:57May a million flowers continue to bloom all over the world
37:00from the power of your courage and voices.
37:04I also want to take a moment to, again, acknowledge
37:07that the Madeline Albright Honorary Group Award
37:10for International Women of Courage
37:12is given to the student women protesters of Bangladesh.
37:16And I want to thank all of our awardees
37:19for traveling great distances,
37:21taking great risk to themselves and their families
37:26to accept this award.
37:28Our sincere hope is that this award will be a stepping stone
37:31that will help you reach more people
37:33with your incredibly important work.
37:36And we will all, in this room and everyone watching,
37:39continue to be champions for those efforts.
37:54In closing, I want to again thank our First Lady,
37:58our amazing First Lady, Mrs. Melania Trump.
38:01Please, another one.
38:12and my boss, Secretary Rubio, and Mr. Rubio, for generously hosting today's gathering.
38:31And I also want to thank our spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, for just taking the time to always
38:36be such a champion and doing our daily press briefings across the department and continuing
38:40to champion the efforts of women.
38:49I also want to thank the First Lady's team, as well as Councilor Needham's team, the Assistant
38:54Secretary Exner's team, for all their efforts in making today possible.
39:05And a huge, huge shout-out to our wonderful SGE Secretary Office of Global Women's Issues
39:12team, as well.
39:23And finally, I want to send our wonderful thanks to our Bureau of Education and Cultural
39:27Affairs for their continued partnership on the IWOC program, especially our International
39:33Visitors program, for all their support.
39:43We are so grateful for you all to be here today, and there is a reception in the Jefferson
39:48room next door, so please, please join us for that.
39:51And again, thank you to all these incredible women of courage.
39:55And I will invite our First Lady and Secretary, please.
40:07Distinguished guests, please remain seated as our stage participants depart.