First lady honors women from around the world at White House

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – First lady Jill Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken recognized women who have shown exceptional courage and leadership across the globe during a ceremony at the White House on Monday.

The 18^th annual International Women of Courage Awards ceremony falls during Women’s History Month.

“Because your fight is all our fight, and we are stronger than any force that hopes to silence us,” Biden said.

The first lady and secretary of State honored women who “demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership” sometimes at their own personal risk and sacrifice.

“Your voices carry across oceans and continents, calling to the women and girls who need to hear your stories,” Biden said.

During his remarks, Blinken highlighted the Biden administration’s effort to support women and girls around the world.

“Supporting women and girls is not only the right thing to do, it’s the smart and necessary thing to do,” he said.

Among the honorees were nine women from Nicaragua who were part of a group of political prisoners released in February of last year.

Since 2007, the State Department has recognized more than 190 women from 90 countries with the International Women of Courage Award.