Secy of State International Women of Courage

[sandnsea]

The Department of State announces the recipients of the third annual Secretary of State’s Award for International Women of Courage.

Ms. Wazhma Frogh (Afghanistan)
Wazhma Frogh, leader in the fight against domestic violence, marital and child rape, and sexual abuse in Afghanistan.
Ms. Norma Cruz (Guatemala)
Director of the NGO Survivors Foundation, combats the widespread impunity that accompanies violence against women in Guatemala.
Ms. Suaad Allami (Iraq)
A prominent lawyer, Suaad Allami fights against the erosion of women’s rights and defends the most disadvantaged. She founded the NGO Women for Progress and the Sadr City Women’s Center, which offers free medical care, literacy education, vocational training, and legislative advocacy.
Ms. Ambiga Sreenevasan (Malaysia)
President of the Malaysian Bar Council, advances human rights, the status of women, and religious tolerance in the face of death threats and intimidation.
Ms. Hadizatou Mani (Niger)
Sold to a “master” at the age of 12 for the equivalent of $500, Hadizatou Mani persevered in gaining her freedom and helped pave the way for others trapped in enslavement.
Ms. Veronika Marchenko (Russia)
Head of the NGO Mother’s Right, and has demonstrated exceptional bravery and leadership in exposing the truth surrounding the disturbing peacetime deaths within the Russian armed forces.
Ms. Mutabar Tadjibayeva (Uzbekistan)
Imprisoned for criticizing her government’s handling of events surrounding the 2005 violence in the city of Andijon, Mutabar Tadjibayeva refuses to be silenced. She has returned to human rights advocacy, and remains a fearless critic of human rights abuses.
Ms. Reem Al Numery (Yemen)
When she was 12, Reem Al Numery had her childhood cut short when she was forced to marry her 30-year -old cousin. She has emerged as a strong and brave voice on behalf of other girls facing a similar fate. Her courage has inspired a widespread drive against child marriages in Yemen.

More Info: http://www.obama-mamas.com/blog/?p=193