Co-sponsored with the USC Center for Public Diplomacy

Established in 2007, the annual Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award honors women around the globe who have exemplified exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for human rights, women's equality, and social progress, often at great personal risk. This is the only U.S. Department of State award that pays tribute to emerging women leaders worldwide.

Join us in welcoming 11 of this year's International Women of Courage recipients to Los Angeles. The women hail from various regions of the world including Africa, East Asia and the Pacific Islands, Europe and Eurasia, the Near East, South and Central Asia, and Latin America. Each woman is a strong advocate for human rights issues. Due to their activism and work, some have been subjected to death threats, imprisonment, and torture. Even through such adversity, their perseverance has led to the transformation of countless lives in their home countries.

During the interview-style discussion, the recipients will speak about overcoming challenges they face as women in their countries, their triumphs and accomplishments, and their future goals. Ambassador Catherine M. Russell of the  U.S. Department of State Office of Global Women's Issues will also provide remarks. Her office works to promote stability, peace, and development by empowering women politically, socially, and economically around the world.