Washington, March 9: Nirbhaya, the "Fearless" victim of a gang rape in a Delhi bus, who became the focus of women around India and their fight against gender-based violence, was honoured Friday with a posthumous US "woman of courage" award.
US first lady Michelle Obama joined secretary of state John Kerry as he presented nine women the annual award recognising women around the globe who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for women's rights and empowerment, often at great personal risk.
At the State Department presentation ceremony on International Women's Day, Kerry praised the determination and courage of Nirbhaya describing her as a brave woman whose life was snuffed out in a brutal assault.
"As the father of two daughters, I cannot imagine the pain suffered by the parents of the young woman known as "Nirbhaya," the 23-year-old para-medical student murdered on a New Delhi bus simply for being a woman," he said.
Kerry said he was inspired by "Nirbhaya's determination, while dying, to bring her assailants to justice, and by their fathers' courage in speaking out on behalf of their daughters and women everywhere."
Nirbhaya "Fearless," champion for justice (India) "has become the foundation of a popular movement to end violence against women in India," the state Department said.
"For millions of Indian women, her personal ordeal, perseverance to fight for justice, and her family's continued bravery is helping to lift the stigma and vulnerability that drive violence against women," it said.
