In Washington, D.C., First Lady Melania Trump takes center stage at the U.S. State Department to honor recipients of the 2025 International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award. Speaking to a packed audience on Tuesday, she delivers a message of resilience and unity, stating that the honorees “prove love is a universal language.” The ceremony recognizes women around the world who demonstrate extraordinary courage, often in the face of grave personal risk.
Among this year’s award recipients is Amit Soussana, an Israeli woman who was abducted and held hostage by Hamas during the group’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Her inclusion underscores the broader significance of the award, which aims to spotlight not only personal strength but also the political and humanitarian struggles women face globally. Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the United States, carried out the coordinated cross-border assault that led to over 1,200 deaths and the abduction of more than 240 individuals, including Soussana. Her survival and advocacy since her release serve as a symbol of endurance in the aftermath of political violence.
Melania Trump praises the recipients, noting that they “shine a light in the darkest corners of the world.” She adds that the women’s stories “transcend borders, ideologies, and politics,” serving as examples of human dignity and unwavering conviction. In her role as First Lady, Trump has placed increased emphasis on humanitarian outreach and global women’s initiatives, reviving and expanding her previous “Be Best” platform to include international partnerships in women’s education, maternal health, and anti-trafficking efforts.
The IWOC Award, now in its 18th year, is presented annually by the Secretary of State and First Lady in recognition of women who advocate for human rights, gender equality, peace, and justice. Since its inception in 2007, more than 200 women from over 80 countries have received the honor. Past recipients have included journalists, human rights lawyers, peace negotiators, and survivors of gender-based violence who have gone on to lead grassroots movements and influence national policy reforms.
This year’s event is marked by heightened global tension, especially in areas where honorees operate under autocratic regimes, conflict zones, or repressive cultural systems. The State Department emphasizes that awardees are selected based on verified records of activism and courage, often drawing from nominees submitted by U.S. embassies worldwide.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo opens the ceremony by stating, “These women do not wait for change—they create it. Their determination is an inspiration not only to their communities but to the world.” In addition to Amit Soussana, other honorees include women from Ukraine, Iran, Afghanistan, and South Sudan who work in education, justice reform, health equity, and grassroots diplomacy.
While Melania Trump maintains a relatively private profile compared to her previous time in the White House, her renewed public appearances since her husband’s return to the presidency in 2025 signal a more engaged and visible role. Her participation in global events, including visits with international humanitarian groups, suggests she is shaping her tenure with a strong focus on diplomacy through empathy and personal storytelling.
As the IWOC ceremony concludes, the State Department commits to further collaboration with awardees through U.S.-based leadership programs and cross-national policy dialogue. The Biden and Trump administrations have both emphasized the value of these awards in amplifying grassroots voices and encouraging global democratic values.
Sources:
https://youtu.be/L04kGX5I-vI
https://www.state.gov/secretary-of-states-international-women-of-courage-award/
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/amit-soussana-hamas-hostage-testimony
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/03/04/international-women-courage-awards-soussana/
https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/01/politics/melania-trump-iwoc-awards-speech/index.html
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-785130
