Mom Reese Witherspoon told CNN Wednesday that she is on a quest to stop violence against women around the world. She is in Washington to attend the 2010 International Women of Courage Awards, along with Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton.
The actress told CNN, “I think when you have strong powerful women standing up and speaking out about these issues, not to mention how many women represent us in the Senate and the House of Representatives, you’re going to start to see a major change in these areas.”
Witherspoon is an Avon Foundation representative and is partnering with Vital Voices to raise awareness of the issues women face as a result of abuse.
Secretary of State Clinton announced the awardees of the 2010 International Courage Award on Wednesday. Here is the U.S. Department of State’s list of recipients:
Shukria Asil
Afghanistan
Promoting government responsiveness to the needs of women.
Colonel Shafiqa Quraishi
Afghanistan
Integrating women into the government and police force.
Androula Henriques
Cyprus
Fighting human trafficking.
Sonia Pierre
Dominican Republic
Ending discrimination based on country of origin and the human rights abuses of statelessness.
Shadi Sadr
Iran
Advocating for women’s legal rights and an end to execution by stoning.
Ann Njogu
Kenya
Seeking social transformation and at the forefront of reforms in Kenya.
Dr. Lee Ae-ran
Republic of Korea
Promoting human rights in North Korea and aiding the refugee community in the Republic of Korea.
Jansila Majeed
Sri Lanka
Strengthening rights for internally displaced persons.
Sister Marie Claude Naddaf (a.k.a. Sister Marie Claude)
Syria
Working for social services for women.
Jestina Mukoko
Zimbabwe
Documenting human rights abuses.
Congratulations to these amazing women. Modern Mom salutes you.
