First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska received the Hillary Rodham Clinton Award, which is presented annually by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security for exceptional leadership in recognizing the important role of women in creating a more peaceful and secure world.
US Secretary of State in 2009-2013 Hillary Clinton presented the award to Olena Zelenska online.
"To be honest: I don't have the feeling that this award belongs to me only. All of Ukraine is now fighting for freedom and at the same time for peaceful life in the whole world. Therefore, allow me to express gratitude and share this award with every Ukrainian woman and man who defends the right to peace," the wife of the President of Ukraine emphasized during her speech at the award ceremony.
She added that she considers this award as another sign of support for Ukraine from the United States.
As noted by the organizers of the award, this year at the award ceremony there was a "salute to Ukrainian women" - in recognition of the bravery of Ukrainian women who carry out peacekeeping and humanitarian activities. In addition to the First Lady, the laureates are: Kateryna Levchenko, government commissioner for gender policy; Oleksandra Matviychuk, head of the Center for Civil Liberties; Natalia Karbovska, co-founder and strategic development director of the Ukrainian Women's Foundation. All of them, according to the organizers, symbolize decades of courageous work on the frontline in government and civil society.
Her Royal Highness Sophie, Countess of Wessex was also honored for her many years of support for gender equality and leadership in the fight against sexual violence during conflicts around the world, including Ukraine.
The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security studies and highlights the role and experience of women in peace and security around the world. Previously, the winners of the annual award were UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad and others.