Trump administration to honour Bangladeshi women student protest leaders who led July uprising for 'bravery'

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and First Lady Melania Trump will host the annual International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awards ceremony at the Department of State on April 1.

Sharing details, the US State Department said in a statement: "A valiant group of women were key drivers in the student protest movement against violent repression in Bangladesh in July-August 2024."

"They demonstrated extraordinary bravery, including standing between security forces and male protestors in spite of threats and violence," the statement said.

"When male counterparts were arrested, these women found innovative ways to continue communication and lead the protests, defying censorship efforts, even during the complete shutdown of the internet," the statement said.

"The bravery and selflessness of these women amid uncertainty was the very definition of courage," the department-issued statement said.

Sri Lankan Journalist

Sri Lankan journalist Namini Wijedasa, who began her career chronicling the human toll of Sri Lanka’s civil conflict and giving voice to those affected by its aftermath, will also receive the award.

The US State Department said: "Over time, her focus shifted to combating corruption through investigative reporting, bringing critical accountability issues to the forefront and inspiring the next generation of journalists."

"Through her work, Ms. Wijedasa has consistently championed accountability, emphasizing that meaningful change can only be achieved when the people demand transparency from those in power, urging them to address the nation’s long-standing challenges," the statement said.

"Despite restrictive legislation that had a chilling effect on many reporters and freedom of expression in Sri Lanka, she remains undeterred in her pursuit of positive change.  Her work not only aims to hold the most powerful accountable but also fosters dialogue on economic prosperity and transparent governance, paving the way for a new generation of reporters and ensuring a legacy of courageous, impactful journalism," the statement said.

Israeli national  Amit Soussana will also receive the award.

Mentioning her, the US State Department said: " Amit Soussana uses her voice to courageously advocate for survivors by using her own lived example to describe the trauma she suffered as a hostage of the October 7th attack in Israel.  Ms. Soussana has raised awareness of the conditions faced by the women, men, girls, and boys who remain hostages of Hamas.  As an attorney at law, she holds an LLB from Sapir College and has been a licensed member of the Israel Bar Association since 2014."

Soussana is an advocate for the hostages that remain under Hamas control following the October 7, 2023 attacks.

IWOC Award

The Secretary of State’s IWOC Award recognizes women from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership – often at great personal risk and sacrifice.

Since 2007, the Department of State has recognized more than 200 women from over 90 countries with the IWOC Award. 

U.S. diplomatic missions overseas nominate one woman of courage from their respective host countries, and finalists are selected and approved by senior Department officials. 

"Following the IWOC ceremony, the awardees will participate in an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and additional programming in Los Angeles," read the statement.