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State Dept. Awards 10 with International Women of Courage Award

And ten women activists from around the world have been awarded the State Departments International Women of Courage Award. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton presented the awards on Wednesday at the State Department.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: We are honoring women from around the world who have endured isolation and intimidation, violence and imprisonment. Many have even risked their lives to advance justice, freedom and equal rights for everyone. Their stories remind us of how much work there is left to do before the rights and dignity of all people, no matter who you are or where you live, are respected and protected by the worlds governments. But these women prove that change is possible.

Jestina Mukoko of Zimbabwe spoke on behalf of the award recipients.

Jestina Mukoko: The International Women of Courage Award is a solidarity message that unites women from all over the world, regardless of race, religion and color, and we have learned that even language has failed to be a barrier to understanding and acknowledging what each one of us is doing. This, indeed, Madame Secretary, not only resonates with your strong notion that womens rights are human rights, but is in line with the theme this year of the International Womens Day: equal rights, equal opportunities, progress for all.