WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah welcomed the 2010 International Women of Courage Award winners from Afghanistan, Dominican Republic, Korea and Sri Lanka to USAID. Administrator Shah thanked the honorees for their outstanding contributions to the rights of women and the advancement of their countries.

At the invitation of the Administrator, each honoree shared how she had overcome serious challenges, such as death threats, imprisonment, and a paralyzing lack of resources. Several women said they had been able to persevere because of encouragement from family and community members. Others said they were empowered to continue toward their goals out of a deep and enduring sense of social responsibility to their countries and communities. The Administrator underscored USAID's commitment to women's empowerment and encouraged the honorees to continue to share their insights to help direct the Agency's efforts.