2024 International Women of Courage
2024 International Women of Courage Award recipients share their experiences
2024 International Women of Courage Event Gallery
Supported By
The Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues
The Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues at the U.S. Department of State has a mandate to promote the rights and empowerment of women and girls through U.S. diplomacy, partnerships and programs. Its focus areas include advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda by advocating for women’s leadership and meaningful participation in all sectors; advancing women’s economic security and environmental leadership; preventing and responding to gender-based violence; and improving the effectiveness and leadership of U.S. foreign policy by integrating gender equity and equality.
Meridian
Meridian is a nonpartisan nonprofit diplomacy center with the vision that greater understanding and collaboration between the United States and the world leads to a more prosperous future for all. For more than 60 years, Meridian has been a principal partner in implementing the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) — the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange.
The International Women of Courage Award
The Secretary of State’s annual International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award recognizes women from around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, and gender equity and equality — often at great personal risk and sacrifice. Since 2007, the Department of State has recognized more than 190 women from 90 countries.
American Women for International Understanding
For over 50 years, American Women for International Understanding (AWIU) has been at the forefront of citizen diplomacy for a more just and equitable global community. A nonpartisan nonprofit, AWIU seeks to build bridges of international understanding through personal, woman-to-woman exchange and collaboration. Its belief in global sisterhood is unwavering.
Since 2008, AWIU has partnered with the U.S. Department of State to honor and support the International Women of Courage. AWIU presents its 17th Annual International Women of Courage Celebration next week, and UCLA Anderson is once again a loyal sponsor, helping to celebrate the awardees and provide them with grants. Today’s event is an exciting new collaboration between UCLA, the State Department and AWIU to amplify the stories of the Women of Courage.
AWIU’s other signature programs include delegations, grants, educational and networking opportunities for young women, as well as a resource network for International Women of Courage alumnae. AWIU offers opportunities for younger members to connect directly with Women of Courage alumnae on projects supporting their extraordinary work.
Inclusive Ethics Initiative
UCLA Anderson launched the Inclusive Ethics Initiative (IEI) in 2023 to reveal the viability and impact of inclusive ethics: equitable participation for all stakeholders in the establishment, evolution and enforcement of ethical norms. As effectively engaging a diverse workforce in driving everyday ethical behavior is essential for any firm or professional looking to reap benefits from diversity, IEI is structured to:
- Advance research on the enabling conditions and impacts of inclusive ethics in diverse communities
- Support learning of insights and skills that foster individual and organizational success with inclusive ethics
- Engage the general public in exploring the viability and impact of inclusive ethics in their communities