Press Release
☷Secretary Antony J Blinken at the 18th Annual International Women of Courage Award Ceremony United States Department of State
U.S. Department of State ( By Press Release office)
Mar 05,2024
| 23| 2
Hey everyone , good morning and welcome to the White House! Big shoutout to the First Lady , Dr . Biden , for hosting us and being an amazing role model for women and girls everywhere . We ' ve got some incredible leaders here today , like Samantha Power , Jen Klein , Karine Jean - Pierre , and more . These International Women of Courage are doing some really inspiring work , from advocating for domestic workers to fighting for democracy . Unfortunately , one of our honorees couldn ' t be here today , but we stand with her and all courageous women facing challenges around the world . Courage is a choice these women make every day , especially in places affected by conflict and violence . We also see the incredible strength of women who keep going despite the obstacles they face in their rights , opportunities , and safety . Whether they ' re on the front lines of war or fighting for social change , women are often the driving force behind progress . The United States stands with every courageous woman working to create a better future , and we are committed to breaking down the barriers that hold women and girls back . That ' s why advocating for the rights of women and girls is at the heart of our foreign policy . In the past three years , we ' ve implemented practical strategies , policies , and programs to support women and girls worldwide , from increasing their political participation to promoting clean energy . Last year , President Biden requested a historic $2 . 6 billion in foreign aid to promote gender equality abroad . Supporting women and girls isn ' t just the right thing to do , it ' s also smart and necessary . We ' ve seen that countries with more women in leadership are less likely to go to war , and closing the gender gap in the workforce could boost the global economy by trillions of dollars . When women thrive , we all benefit . As we continue to advance the rights and dignity of women around the world , we will learn from and be inspired by our partners in government , the private sector , and civil society , including the women we ' re honoring today . One of our honorees , Fariba Balouch , has faced persistent threats from Iranian security forces , but she remains determined and refuses to be silenced . This determination is reflected in all the extraordinary women we ' re recognizing today . And it ' s also embodied by the woman I have the privilege to introduce - the First Lady of the United States , Dr . Jill Biden .
PLAY the NEWS
* May be useful for visually impaired persons .
Press release information:
Direct link to press release:
Click here .
