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Ugandan journalist, lawyer, and social justice activist, Ms. Agather Atuhaire, was honored with the International Women of Courage (IWOC) award 2024 in the United States of America (USA). The award ceremony, held on March 4th at the White House, was organized by USA’s Secretary of State Antony Blinken and First Lady Jill Biden. This annual event, now in its 18th year, recognizes women from around the world who have exhibited exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in advocating for various causes, including peace, justice, human rights, gender equity, and the empowerment of women and girls.
Ms. Atuhaire was recognized for her courageous efforts in exposing parliamentary abuses, threats to multi-party democracy, governance issues, health sector abuses, sexual harassment in the NGO sector, and violations of students’ rights in Uganda. Her activism has earned her a reputation as a trusted voice on matters of governance, accountability, and social justice in the country. This award adds to her list of accolades, having previously won the European Union Human Rights Defenders Award in 2023.
As a team leader at Agora, a platform dedicated to fostering public discourse, social justice, and public accountability, Ms. Atuhaire and her team continue to hold leaders accountable through evidence-based activism, reporting, and civic awareness. Alongside Ms. Atuhaire, other notable awardees from various countries were recognized for their remarkable contributions to their respective communities and causes.
Since March 2007, the Department of State has honored over 190 women from 90 countries with the IWOC Award. The selection process involves US diplomatic missions overseas nominating one woman of courage from their respective host countries. Finalists are then selected and approved by senior department officials. Following the ceremony, awardees will participate in an in-person International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) and additional programming in Los Angeles. This program aims to facilitate engagement with American counterparts on strategies and ideas to empower women and girls globally.
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Ms. Atuhaire’s recognition on the international stage not only highlights her individual courage and dedication but also brings attention to the pressing issues she and others like her are addressing in Uganda and beyond. Her work serves as an inspiration for advocates and activists striving for positive change and social justice worldwide.
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