March 08, 2008	Saturday	Safar 29, 1429

WASHINGTON, March 7: A woman from Pakistan will be among eight from across the world who will receive the International Women of Courage awards from the US State Department on Monday.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will announce recipients of the award. Under-Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Paul Dobriansky will give away the awards. “This award is a part of a programme that recognises the leadership and the courage of emerging women leaders,” said Ms Rice.

The women will spend a week in Washington and New York, meeting government officials and NGO representatives.

The award recognises women around the globe who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for women’s rights and empowerment. This is the only Department of State award that pays tribute to emerging women leaders worldwide.