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US presents 2017 International Women of Courage Awards

WASHINGTON, March 29 (KUNA) -- On the occasion of International Women's Day, the US presented 13 women with the International Women of Courage Award for their "exceptional courage and leadership," as announced by Acting Deputy Secretary of State Tom Shannon.
The winners were selected for "demonstrating courage in four pivotal areas: exposing and opposing gender-based violence, standing up to terrorists, combating corruption, promoting justice and human rights for all," Shannon said.
He added that, "Women's empowerment is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic investment in our collective security. In short, when women do better, countries do better." Jannat Al Ghezi from Iraq was one of the 13 women honored today. After surviving domestic abuse and having her life threatened, she now contributes to the Organizations of Women's Freedom in Iraq to provide shelter and services to women who have suffered from the hands of the so-called Islamic State.
Major Aichatou Issaka Ousmane of Niger is a "Soldier, mother, and United Nations peacekeeper, Major Ousmane of Niger exemplifies what it means for a woman to serve on the front lines of conflict and peace-building," said Shannon. "She has not only helped people deal with the trauma caused by conflict and the threat of violent extremism, including Boko Haram." Rebecca Kabugho of the Congo was also honored after being subjected to repression and sent to months in jail for her political activism. She is was dubbed one of the youngest prisoners of conscience in the world.
"Rebecca played a key role in a series of peaceful and nonviolent demonstrations demanding the Congolese Government hold credible elections in 2016, as required by the Congolese constitution," said Shannon. (end) ak.gb