Melania Trump honors eight women who exemplify courage, strength, on global stage

The eight women were honored with the International Women of Courage award during a ceremony at the State Department.

Published: April 1, 2025 4:25pm

First lady Melania Trump on Tuesday honored eight women with the International Women of Courage award, who showed "exceptional courage, strength, and leadership" in the face of adversity.

The ceremony took place at the State Department, and honored National Human Rights Commission President Henriette Da, Papau New Guinea activist Major Velena Iga, former Hamas hostage Amit Soussana, South Sudanese women’s rights leader Zabib Musa Loro Bakhit, Sri Lankan journalist Namini Wijedasa, Yemeni detainees advocate Amat Al-Salam Al-Hajj, Romanian disabilities rights activist Georgiana Pascu, and marine conservationist Angelique Songco, according to The Hill.

The first lady commended the women on their bravery, highlighting how their hardships never stopped them from fighting for the things they loved.

“Love has inspired me to embrace forgiveness, nurture empathy and exhibit bravery in the face of unforeseen obstacles,” Trump said. “Today, we celebrate courage — a strength that is based in love. We are honored to join an exceptional assembly of brave women who have shown their love and refuse to let fear or hardship define them. Their collective achievements and dedication move us all."

Attorney General Pam Bondi, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler, attended the ceremony with other members of the Trump administration.

“To the women who are driven to speak out for justice even though their voices are trembling, to the women who are motivated to rise up for their community when others remain indifferent, to the women who feel compelled to heal wounds caused by hatred and cherish peace,” the first lady said.

“Their courage propels us of humanity forward by advocating to end violence against women and girls, promoting democratic governance, defending human rights, championing education and fighting injustice,” she continued. “Let their stories motivate us to take courageous steps, knowing that each act of love can spark a ripple of transformation.”

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.