First Lady Melania Trump joined Secretary of State Marco Rubio to honor eight women from around the world for their bravery and dedication. She said these women show that love can give people the courage to overcome challenges.
This was the fifth time Melania participated in the International Women of Courage Awards as First Lady. It was also only the second time she had spoken publicly since her husband became president.
“I have used love as a source of strength during difficult times,” she said. “Love has helped me to forgive, be more understanding, and stay strong in tough situations.”
Since 2007, the State Department has honored over 200 women for their efforts in promoting peace, human rights, and prosperity in their communities. Rubio noted that these women often put themselves and their families at great risk to do their important work.
During her speech, Melania highlighted Georgiana Pascu from Romania, who was recognized for her work helping children and adults with disabilities.
Through research, training, and legal efforts, Pascu played a key role in passing a law to monitor care institutions in her country.
“Georgiana is a strong advocate for Romanians who cannot speak for themselves,” Melania said. “She bravely enters care facilities to rescue people with disabilities who are being held against their will.”
Melania Trump said that Pascu’s efforts have led to many offenders being charged with crimes like human trafficking, exploitation, and organized crime.
This year’s International Women of Courage Award honored women from Burkina Faso, Israel, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, and Yemen.
“The 2025 award winners come from different backgrounds and regions,” Trump said. “But love has no borders—it is a universal language.”
Last month, Melania spoke out against the sharing of nonconsensual explicit images, calling the impact on victims “heartbreaking” and criticizing the “toxic” online environment.
During her husband’s first term, she led the Be Best campaign, which focused on ending cyberbullying.
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