'International Women of Courage (IWOC)' is award program initiated by -

- International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award was established in 2007 by the U.S. Department of State.
- This annual award honors women from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in order to bring about positive change to their communities, often at great personal risk and sacrifice.
- To date, under the IWOC program, the U.S. Department of State has recognized more than 170 women from over 80 countries.
- The US Department of State has decided to recognize Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (Bela) Chief Executive Syeda Rizwana Hasan with the International Women of Courage Award 2022.
- Rizwana Hasan is a lawyer who demonstrates exceptional courage and leadership in her mission to protect the environment and defend the dignity and rights of marginalized Bangladeshis, read a US state department press release.

Source: www.state.gov