BURSTMelania Trump is extolling the power of harnessing "love as a source of strength during challenging times," as she honored eight women with awards for their bravery.
"Love has inspired me to embrace forgiveness, nurture empathy and exhibit bravery in the face of unforeseen obstacles," the first lady said Tuesday while delivering remarks at the International Women of Courage Award ceremony at the State Department.
"Today, we celebrate courage — a strength that is based in love," Trump said.
The honor "recognizes women from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership — often at great personal risk and sacrifice," according to the State Department.
This year's award recipients included National Human Rights Commission President Henriette Da, Papau New Guinea activist Major Velena Iga, former Hamas hostage Amit Soussana, South Sudanese women's rights leader Zabib Musa Loro Bakhit, Sri Lankan journalist Namini Wijedasa, Yemeni detainees advocate Amat Al-Salam Al-Hajj, Romanian disabilities rights activist Georgiana Pascu and marine conservationist Angelique Songco.
"We are honored to join an exceptional assembly of brave women who have shown their love and refuse to let fear or hardship define them. Their collective achievements and dedication move us all," Trump told the group. It's the fifth year that Melania Trump has taken part in the awards ceremony, which was established by then-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in 2007.
"Let us also take a moment to acknowledge those who persist in their struggles," she said before an audience that included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler and other Trump administration officials.
"To the women who are driven to speak out for justice even though their voices are trembling, to the women who are motivated to rise up for their community when others remain indifferent, to the women who feel compelled to heal wounds caused by hatred and cherish peace," Trump said.
"Their courage propels us of humanity forward by advocating to end violence against women and girls, promoting democratic governance, defending human rights, championing education and fighting injustice," she said.
"Let their stories motivate us to take courageous steps, knowing that each act of love can spark a ripple of transformation."