Senior journalist Namini Wijedasa wins US Secretary of State’s 2025 International Women of Courage Award

Tuesday, 1 April 2025 04:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sunday Times journalist Namini Wijedasa has won the US Secretary of State’s 2025 International Women of Courage Award.

She is among eight winners from around the world.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and First Lady Melania Trump today will host the annual International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awards ceremony at the Department of State.

Now in its 19th year, the Secretary of State’s IWOC Award recognises women from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership – often at great personal risk and sacrifice. Since 2007, the Department of State has recognised more than 200 women from over 90 countries with the IWOC Award. US diplomatic missions overseas nominate one woman of courage from their respective host countries, and finalists are selected and approved by senior Department officials.

Following the IWOC ceremony, the awardees will participate in an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and additional programing in Los Angeles.

Namini Wijedasa, an award-winning journalist with over 30 years of experience, began her career chronicling the human toll of Sri Lanka’s civil conflict and giving voice to those affected by its aftermath. Over time, her focus shifted to combatting corruption through investigative reporting, bringing critical accountability issues to the forefront and inspiring the next generation of journalists.

Through her work, Wijedasa has consistently championed accountability, emphasising that meaningful change can only be achieved when the people demand transparency from those in power, urging them to address the nation’s long-standing challenges. Despite restrictive legislation that had a chilling effect on many reporters and freedom of expression in Sri Lanka, she remains undeterred in her pursuit of positive change. Her work not only aims to hold the most powerful accountable but also fosters dialogue on economic prosperity and transparent governance, paving the way for a new generation of reporters and ensuring a legacy of courageous, impactful journalism.

Other winners include Henriette Da – Burkina Faso, Amit Soussana – Israel, Major Velena Iga – Papua New Guinea, Angelique Songco – Philippines, Georgiana Pascu – Romania, Zabib Musa Loro Bakhit – South Sudan, and Amat Al-Salam Al-Hajj – Yemen.

The Madeleine Albright Honorary Group Award was won by ‘Women Student Protest Leaders of Bangladesh.’

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