The US will honour the victim of a gang rape in a New Delhi bus as a woman of courage.
The 23-year-old medical student, identified as Nirbhaya, is among ten extraordinary women being honoured on Friday with the International Women of Courage Award which will be presented by US First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry. The move is an apparent tribute to women in India who struggle against gender-based violence.
The annual award recognizes women around the globe who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating women’s rights and empowerment even at great personal risk.
Nirbhaya, who died of several injuries after being brutally assaulted in a moving bus, will be awarded posthumously. Her case has shed light on Indian women’s fight against gender-based violence and inspired female empowerment, The Times of India reports.
“For millions of Indian women, her personal ordeal, perseverance to fight for justice, and her family’s continued bravery is helping to lift the stigma and vulnerability that drive violence against women,” a citation from the US State Department said.
