Sunday Times journalist Namini selected for top US award

The Sunday Times Deputy Editor–Investigations Namini Wijedasa has been selected as one of the recipients of the US Secretary of State’s 2025 International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award.

This year’s IWOC Awards ceremony will be hosted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and First Lady Melania Trump next week at the US State Department in Washington D.C. The US State Department’s citation of Ms. Wijedasa reads as follows:

“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 combating corruption through investigative reporting, bringing critical accountability issues to the forefront and inspiring the next generation of journalists.

“Through her work, Ms. 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.”

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, the official release from the US State Department states.

Since 2007, the Department of State has recognised more than 200 women from over 90 countries with the IWOC Award. U.S. 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 Programme (IVLP) and additional programming in Los Angeles.

The other recipients of the 2025 IWOC Award are:

• Henriette Da (Burkina Faso) – “A sociologist by training and an expert in human rights, women’s rights, and development, Ms. Da is also a founding member of Burkina Faso’s Association for Religious Tolerance and Intercommunity Dialogue. In 2018, she was appointed President of the National Human Rights Commission.”
• Amit Soussana (Israel) – “Ms. Soussana uses her voice to courageously advocate for survivors by using her own lived example to describe the trauma she suffered as a hostage of the October 7th attack in Israel.”Major Velena Iga (Papua New Guinea) – “She has been a key figure in combating violence against women, sorcery accusation-related violence, and trafficking in persons in Papua New Guinea for over a decade.”
• Angelique Songco (Philippines) – “Better known as “Mama Ranger,” Angelique Songco leads a small team of rangers protecting the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park from illegal fishing and poaching.”
• Georgiana Pascu (Romania) – “Has dedicated her career to promoting access to accountability and recognition of human rights for institutionalised children and adults with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities.”
• Zabib Musa Loro Bakhit (South Sudan) – “Ms. Bakhit women’s rights leader with more than 10 years of experience in fragile, post-conflict, and resource-poor settings. She has held several leadership positions at the national and regional levels.”
• Amat Al-Salam Abdullah Abdo Al-Hajj (Yeman) – “She is the founder and president of the Abductees’ Mothers Association, which continues to be a powerful voice in bringing international attention to the plight of thousands of Yemeni detainees and their families.”

This year’s Madeleine Albright Honorary Group Award, which will also be presented at the ceremony, has been awarded to the “Women Student Protest Leaders of Bangladesh.” The US State Department notes that “A valiant group of women were key drivers in the student protest movement against violent repression in Bangladesh in July-August 2024. They demonstrated extraordinary bravery, including standing between security forces and male protestors in spite of threats and violence.”