The International Women of Courage Award (IWOC), which has been awarded by the US Department of State for 17 years, was held at the White House on the 8th of March this year, with a ceremony hosted by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and First Lady Jill Biden. The awards were presented to the owners where one of them is the Founder and President of the Afghan Refugees Solidarity Association, Md. Zakira Hekmat. This award is given to human rights defenders and activists who have shown courage and strength in peace, justice, human rights, gender equality and equality, as well as the empowerment of women and girls, often by taking personal risks and making sacrifices. Md. Zakira Hekmat was awarded for working tirelessly to defend the rights of refugees, women, girls and minorities since she came to Turkey in 2008 as a Medical student. Thanks to Hekmat's efforts, many Afghans, especially women, girls and minorities, gained access to refugee protection and asylum, especially after Kabul fell to the Taliban in 2021.

 “Around the world, women -in all of their diversity – are often the ones on the front lines of change. And yet, at the same time, they face still greater obstacles to their political participation; they experience gender-based violence and human right abuses; they hold less economic and social power. We are committed to changing that. To honorees, united states are proud to be by your side, as you and others wage those hundreds small battles, day in, day out. And we will be there and be there with you for the long haul.” Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken stated.

 “This audience is a testament to our national commitment to gender equality around the globe and the powerful influence of the people we honor today: Women of Courage. Here in the East Room, we will tell their stories fearlessness, resilience, and hope. We will hear from them in their own words. And there are people outside of this room who need to hear their stories too: the girls who will inherit this world.” First Lady Jill Biden said.

Md. Zakira Hekmat received the award from First Lady Jill Biden and Antony J. Blinken along with congratulations and applause. We congratulate her on her remarkable success and we wish her success in her future endeavors.