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Ras Adiba receives International Woman of Courage award

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The IWOC honours women who demonstrate courage, strength and leadership to bring changes to their communities.

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Free Malaysia Today
Senator Ras Adiba Radzi shows off the award she received at the White House on March 11.

KUALA LUMPUR:
Senator Ras Adiba Radzi has been awarded the 2023 International Woman of Courage (IWOC) award by the US State Department, making her the fourth recipient from Malaysia.

In the award ceremony which was held on March 11 at the White House, the disability-rights advocate was among 11 recipients out of 60 candidates from around the world.

Speaking to FMT, she said: “It never occurred to me that I would receive this award because there were 60 women who were being observed by the State Department.

“Whenever people ask me whether it was true I won the award, I will tell them I did, but I have to pinch myself after that. I still can’t believe it, not because I don’t want the award, but because it is so special.”

Ras Adiba was chosen for consistently using her profession to advance and promote human rights and for highlighting injustice on various social media platforms.

Her role as a senator representing persons with disabilities was also part of the evaluation.

The former newscaster said she got “brownie points” when she was chosen as the chairman of Bernama.

“I joked with them that they have been stalking us for a long time. In actuality, they have been observing us for a long time to see our contribution to the community.

“Among the recipients are doctors who come from countries in turmoil while others have gone to prison numerous times defending women’s rights.”

The other recipients of the award include human rights advocate Dr Zakira Hekmat from Afghanistan, Argentina’s special envoy for sexual orientation and gender identity Alba Rueda and indigenous rights advocate Doris Rios from Costa Rica.

The IWOC was established in 2007 and honours women who demonstrate courage, strength and leadership to bring changes to their communities. It has so far recognised more than 180 women from 80 countries.

Other Malaysians who have been awarded the IWOC include lawyer-activist Ambiga Sreenevasan, transgender activist Nisha Ayub and Susanna Liew, the wife of abducted pastor Raymond Koh.

“When we arrived at the White House, we were stunned,” Ras Adiba said. “But, we felt appreciated as the staff made sure we were comfortable. We felt like royalty and were very thankful.

“This is the first time since Covid-19 that they have given out the award at the White House. The last time was three years ago.”

She said it was surreal to visit the White House which she had admired when she was young and later as a media person.

She said the award had boosted her resolve to continue helping people, especially the disabled.

“If able-bodied people can go to school, we want the same for us,” she said. “We also want to live in a home that is accessible. We are Malaysian citizens and deserve to be given the same rights.”

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