East Timor President José Ramos-Horta speaks during a meeting with Acting USAID Administrator Alonzo Fulgham Feb. 24 about increased aid levels to East Timor and maintaining USAID’s presence in rural areas.

Suaad Allami of Iraq was one of seven women honored by the State Department’s third annual International Women of Courage Awards. With the help of a $400,000 U.S. grant, Allami’s organization, For Progress, opened four women’s centers and educated 186,000 students in the impoverished area of Sadr City, Iraq. She is a practicing attorney hosting Women Lawyers Continuing Education seminars, translating Iraqi constitutional rights and protections for women into daily life. Her centers offer literacy education, child care, medical exams, legal advocacy, counseling for domestic violence, and vocational training.

“Whether it is through agriculture, microenterprise activities, or the labor market, by supporting women in their economic life we will ensure healthier children, stronger communities, and a measurable return on investment,” Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) said at USAID’s celebration of International Women’s Day March 10. “To unleash the full potential and power women have to contribute, greater efforts are needed to promote violence-free homes, to expand access to reproductive healthcare, and to increase participation in political decision-making.”