Two of the United States’ most recognizable women – Michelle Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton – came together to honor some lesser-known women who have faced numerous obstacles in their efforts to promote human rights and social justice.
The recipients of the State Department’s annual Women of Courage Awards “represent countless women and men who strive daily for justice and opportunity in every country and on every continent, usually without recognition or reward,” Secretary Clinton said.
“The women we honor here, standing on this stage today, risk their lives to fight for themselves and for their mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers and friends,” Michelle Obama said. “And in doing so, they create a better society not just for them, but for their fathers, sons, brothers, grandfathers and husbands.”
On March 11, President Obama signed an executive order creating a White House Council on Women and Girls. The mission of the council will be to provide a coordinated federal response to the challenges confronted by women and girls and to ensure that all Cabinet and Cabinet-level agencies consider how their policies and programs impact women and families. What do you think of this order?
Comments (20)
Felix Sureshraja
12 March 2009 at 23:49 EDT
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I believe that this award is a recognition of justice and fight for human rights and undoubtedly sends a resonating voice against evil in all forms currently in the world right now.
connemara accommodation
13 March 2009 at 00:41 EDT
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i hoped ,obama government would work fine, and supporting my assumption, it’s indeed doing a great job..best of luck..
Neelam Rajput
13 March 2009 at 01:16 EDT
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It is wonderful to know that Obrama Administration has honored some of the lesser known women who have faced obstacles in their efforts to promote human rights and social justice. Big congratulations to Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton! Prez. Obama has won hearts over the world by showing his concern and signing the executive order creating a White House Council on Women and Girls. The effort is highly applauded!
Neelam Rajput
13 March 2009 at 01:25 EDT
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I am sure that Prez Obama is definitely going to go places with the cooperation of the first lady of the US - Michelle. Both of them make a lovely couple - so caring for those around. I wish the family all the best for the efforts being done in the different spheres. It is sure to touch so many lifes. GREAT!
Gnana SS
13 March 2009 at 02:12 EDT
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I have seen a lot of positive steps after President Obama has taken over. We at BBSSL are looking forward for quick decisions and decisions related to society at large to come quick and fact from him.
While allowing freedom of religion and expression to take fore front I would want the president to take decisive steps to crush forces that create misery to human kind.
I wish the president a great tenure ahead.
mahesh chand
13 March 2009 at 06:20 EDT
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in a male dominated socity to think about women is really a noble thought.i reside in kerarla,india.in this part of india ladies are better placed.so the society is doing well
Narcy (Mr) Calamatta
13 March 2009 at 12:42 EDT
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Well done Mr President. May God bless and keep you. You have set a good example to all countries who need to appreciate the unsung heroines of society. Most NGOs are run by women both young and senior citizens. Let us show them we care for their valuable work. Follow President Obama’s lead.
D.Sangeetha Rao
13 March 2009 at 18:22 EDT
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Dear friend heartest respects from Bhaarat.
We are feeling very proudly because a poor person reached on top post like Abraham Lincoln and we hope you will follow aims of Lincoln saab.But USA made a big mistake of killing of Irak’s president Saddam Hussain ji.It was a big mistake of Bush ji administration.We feel you keep wrong step in to Pakistan.In our opinion allow own struggles of pak people to decide theirs fate and allow them which side they wants to go with own brain and allow to think who is good china or we so that stop all economic sactions and allow the people of the nation to kill own terrorists of the country .do not send your troops.
Thanking you,
D.Sangeetha Rao
Cheenai———- India
Rod C Hulme
14 March 2009 at 16:08 EDT
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Totally agree with Sangeetha!!! The United States, much as it treasures the image of boy scout and avenging force of the world in the name of ‘democracy’ should, stay the heck out of foreign politics.
Countries should be able to solve their own political problems without interference from us.
Charity, socalled, begins, etc….let’s begin at home.
jalal
15 March 2009 at 04:57 EDT
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I have supported the Felix comment that is…
“I believe that this award is a recognition of justice and fight for human rights and undoubtedly sends a resonating voice against evil in all forms currently in the world right now.”
Thanking you,
Jalal From Bangladesh. Details on :
>>>>>>http://nytimesbbc.blogspot.com>>>>
MitU
16 March 2009 at 06:48 EDT
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Many Many thanks from my heart to Michelle Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Because they have come together to help the women and to establish them in society greatly.
Also thanks President Obama because he declared the “Women of Courage Awards”. It’s helpful for women to come forward from darkness.
Thanking you,
MitU From Chittagong, Bangladesh.
Rawan
16 March 2009 at 16:05 EDT
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Women, who present more than half of the population in the world have suffered from deprivation of their human rights despite the bill of rights due to the lack of rights provided by local laws all over the world. What is being provided as a support for women from all over the world is so encouraging for us. Hope that this is not going to be one single event and I wish it will be spread all over the world.
negar sultana
18 March 2009 at 00:58 EDT
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Excellent
Manoj Kumar Mullapudi
19 March 2009 at 06:17 EDT
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It’s quite a long time that women in general got their right place in the society.
Majority of times, it’s women against women, that is detoriarating their status.
It’s high time that they stop bickering among themselves and unitedly fight for their rights.
Mathew
Location: Australia
26 August 2009 at 03:07 EDT
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Did you do your MBA in 1988 form Pune Uni, pl confirm
aghadilbar
20 March 2009 at 06:27 EDT
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Dear Barak Obama
I Aghadilbar have sent President Barak Obama 64 registered letters through
Embassy
of USA
ISLAMABAD till today dated 19.3.2009 (and also direct sent these registred
letters via
WHITEHOUSE
WASHINGTON DC 20500).
These letters have been written on the guidelines of CHANGE WE NEED. And
these
letters are
about the Commonmen Problems of respected American Peoples and their
Solutions.
Please Confirm
Aghadilbar(founder)
INTERNATIONAL REVOLUTION MOVEMENT
64-neelum block ait LAHORE(PAKISTAN)
phone 0092427830084
hero okpara
22 March 2009 at 19:48 EDT
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you are doing a good job god bless you all
innocent ekwemuka
3 April 2009 at 07:03 EDT
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God has given the american,s a leader that will take them to the promise land,with michelle and hilaray clinton by obama,s side the american,s will no more experince war,terrorist attack. America shall be free. God bless America, Africa , & Nigeria,
roopali sircar gaur
5 May 2009 at 05:12 EDT
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wish we knew who these courageous women are in the picture. they deserve to be known.
Michelle Austein Brooks
America.gov Staff
5 May 2009 at 07:21 EDT
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Here is more information on these women of courage: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/03/120070.htm