MS FOTOVAT: Good afternoon. Please, everyone, be seated. Thank you so much. So good afternoon, everyone. I have to say I’m so excited. Thank you, all, for being here in this historic setting of the Benjamin Franklin Room here at the Department of State.
I’m Kat Fotovat, the senior bureau official for the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues, or S/GWI as we call it here. I’m so honored to be with you all today at the 19th annual International Women of Courage Award Ceremony. (Applause.)
We are so excited to have so many distinguished guests and our courageous awardees. I’m so glad the weather in D.C. greeted you all with our beautiful cherry blossoms and a million blooms, just like the courage blooming all over the world inspired by the incredible women we honor here today.
Established by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, this annual award celebrates women leaders from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership, often at great personal risk or sacrifice. Nineteen years – which is the same age as my son – is a testament to the importance of this award and the work it represents: a clear and powerful statement that the United States strongly supports the participation and protection of women and girls, the defense of their human rights, and their empowerment. (Applause.)
None of this would be possible without leadership and support at the highest levels, starting with President Trump. Thank you to First Lady Melania Trump and Secretary Rubio for your deep, longstanding commitment to women and girls globally. We are so thrilled to have so many members of the cabinet and Congress and their staff here as well.
I’m so proud to be here representing S/GWI. Our mission has been to promote the rights and empowerment of women and girls globally as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. As President Trump said, when women are empowered to participate in civic and economic life, their communities, their families, and countries are more prosperous, healthy, and safe.
My office works across three main areas that, as the Secretary outlined, advances the President’s America First vision: making America safer by ensuring the protection of women and girls from violence, a central part of securing our border, combating terrorism, and fostering global peace and security; making America stronger by advancing women’s meaningful participation in political, peace, and security processes, leading to longer-lasting peace and stability around the world; making America more prosperous by supporting women’s economic empowerment and fostering American investments, innovation, and interest over our strategic competitors.
Now, the International Women of Courage Awards highlight the critical role women play in peace and stability. The eight individuals, who you will learn more about in just a moment, embody those American values abroad and promote efforts that their countries and regions are more s
I’m Kat Fotovat, the senior bureau official for the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues, or S/GWI as we call it here. I’m so honored to be with you all today at the 19th annual International Women of Courage Award Ceremony. (Applause.)
We are so excited to have so many distinguished guests and our courageous awardees. I’m so glad the weather in D.C. greeted you all with our beautiful cherry blossoms and a million blooms, just like the courage blooming all over the world inspired by the incredible women we honor here today.
Established by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, this annual award celebrates women leaders from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership, often at great personal risk or sacrifice. Nineteen years – which is the same age as my son – is a testament to the importance of this award and the work it represents: a clear and powerful statement that the United States strongly supports the participation and protection of women and girls, the defense of their human rights, and their empowerment. (Applause.)
None of this would be possible without leadership and support at the highest levels, starting with President Trump. Thank you to First Lady Melania Trump and Secretary Rubio for your deep, longstanding commitment to women and girls globally. We are so thrilled to have so many members of the cabinet and Congress and their staff here as well.
I’m so proud to be here representing S/GWI. Our mission has been to promote the rights and empowerment of women and girls globally as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. As President Trump said, when women are empowered to participate in civic and economic life, their communities, their families, and countries are more prosperous, healthy, and safe.
My office works across three main areas that, as the Secretary outlined, advances the President’s America First vision: making America safer by ensuring the protection of women and girls from violence, a central part of securing our border, combating terrorism, and fostering global peace and security; making America stronger by advancing women’s meaningful participation in political, peace, and security processes, leading to longer-lasting peace and stability around the world; making America more prosperous by supporting women’s economic empowerment and fostering American investments, innovation, and interest over our strategic competitors.
Now, the International Women of Courage Awards highlight the critical role women play in peace and stability. The eight individuals, who you will learn more about in just a moment, embody those American values abroad and promote efforts that their countries and regions are more s
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