America’s First Lady Melania Trump made a rare public appearance March 29 – and even more rare – she delivered a speech.
Trump was in the nation’s capital, where she delivered the keynote at the International Women of Courage Award event, hosted by the State Department.
The awards honor women around the world who have overcome injustice and gone on to transform their societies. The women are nominated by U.S. embassies and NGOs. They are selected by the State Department for their courageous and selfless efforts advocating for human rights, women’s equality, and social progress, often in the face of great personal risk.
"As leaders, we must continue to work towards gender empowerment and respect for people from all backgrounds and ethnicities, remembering always that we are all members of one race, the human race. Each one of us is uniquely different," Trump said, honoring 12 women at the 2017 Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Awards.
Thirteen women received awards for distinguished acts of courage, bravery and promoting human rights, at times putting their own lives in danger.
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Some of the women are from countries that would bar them from entering the United States had President Donald Trump’s first travel ban taken effect. A second proposed ban minus Iraq is on hold.
"These honorees on the stage with me have fought for their rights and for the rights of others,” she said, adding that each battled government, the courts, gender bias, terrorism, war and corruption, “and were willing, in each moment, to face harsh penalties including imprisonment and death,"
“Each one of these heroic women has an extraordinary story of courage, which must inspire each of us to also achieve more than we have ever imagined possible,” Trump said, prior to handing the awards.
Trump called on young women at the event to be inspired by the women and to know they also are capable of greatness. She urged them to guard against injustice no matter the form.
One had already answered the call. Among this year’s awardees is Sharmin Akter, the Bangladeshi girl who successfully resisted her family’s efforts to marry her off at the age of 15.
"As leaders of our shared global community, we must continue to work towards gender empowerment and respect people from all backgrounds and ethnicities, remembering always that we are all ultimately members of one race: the human race,” Trump said. “Each one of us is uniquely gifted.”
She added: “Together, with the international community, the United States must send a clear message that we are watching. It is therefore our duty to continue to shine the light on each miraculous victory achieved by women – all capable of trying, truly leading the change to fight for those that cannot fight for themselves."
Twitter: @Bernie_HITN
Email the writer: bernie.monegain@himssmedia.com
