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HUMAN RIGHTS | Defending human dignity

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Women of Courage

Around the world, there are women who endure ridicule, intimidation and even bodily injury to protect the ideals of individual dignity, liberty and equality. To recognize these brave women, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice inaugurated in 2007 the "International Women of Courage Award." In 2008, eight outstanding women were honored with the award. More than 90 notable women, however, were nominated. Here are some of their stories.

Feature Profile

  • Meaza Ashenafi (Photo courtesy U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa)
    Meaza Ashenafi

    Meaza Ashenafi's legal skills help her design better lives for Ethiopian women that include freedom from violence, equal rights, access to education and political participation. She has built a foundation for these designs via constitutional provisions to protect women and children's rights.

Women of Courage Profiles

  • Elzbieta Grodzka

    Elzbieta Grodzka

    A nurse who served four combat tours in Iraq with the Polish Land Forces proves courage, compassion and inspiration can coexist nicely, as can marriage, motherhood and a military career. Elzbieta Grodzka’s courage and leadership in Iraq earned her a nomination for the 2008 International Women of Courage Award.

    Learn More: Sergeant Grodzka Mixes Courage with Compassion Return to Top
  • Raija Ala-Lipasti

    Raija Ala-Lipasti

    The life of a woman immigrant can be very difficult, especially in Finland. But Raija Ala-Lipasti is working to raise public awareness for immigrant women and political asylum seekers in Finland through her work as the executive director of Turku Women's Center an independent nongovernmental organization run by and for women.

    Learn More: Activist Helps Women Immigrants in Finland Return to Top
  • Ana Ivanovic

    Ana Ivanovic

    Beautiful and talented, tennis sensation Anna Ivanovic strives to improve the lot of children in Serbia. Using her own money, she helps fund programs that aid schools in teaching children the importance of tolerance.

    Learn More: Tennis Sensation Is Also a Philanthropist Return to Top
  • Ulla Anttila

    Ulla Anttila

    Women in Finland were the first in Europe to win the right to vote, but even there women’s rights still need a champion. Activist Ulla Anttila, a former member of the Finnish Parliament, works to combat human trafficking and support the rights of the disabled.

    Learn More: Even Finland Needs Women’s Rights Activists Return to Top
  • Cynthia Bendlin

    Cynthia Bendlin

    Working with the International Organization for Migration, this citizen of Paraguay fights the big-money business of human trafficking that has flourished in the area where her country borders Argentina and Brazil.  Bendlin also works to educate government and local leaders around the region about effective methods to combat modern-day slavery.

    Learn More: Paraguayan Woman Fights Trafficking Industry Return to Top
  • Farhiyo Farah Ibrahim

    Farhiyo Farah Ibrahim

    Driven from her home in Somalia to the refugee camps of Kenya, Ibrahim is a passionate champion for the rights of women, girls and refugees.  Just 25 years old, she has found the fortitude to withstand severe ostracism from her family and community to fight for a better life for women in Africa.

    Learn More: Somali Woman Champions Women’s Rights in Africa Return to Top

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