Ukrainian volunteer Taira and Espreso correspondent in Poland Bianka Zalewska receive Women of Courage Award

The ceremony was broadcast on the US State Department's YouTube channel.

Among the 11 winners of the U.S. State Department's award is Ukrainian volunteer, paramedic and veteran Yulia Payevska (Taira). Another award winner is Polish journalist Bianka Zalewska, who works with Espreso.

The ceremony, which took place at the White House, was also attended by representatives of U.S. government agencies, guests from 10 countries from all over the world, and previous winners of the award.

"They are fighting the Russian invasion of Ukraine, protecting rights in Mongolia, refugee and LGBT rights. Thanks to their daily work, we face extraordinary challenges. Reading and hearing about them is truly impressive. In many cases, they have experienced intimidation, some have been imprisoned, discrimination, but none of them have been deterred," said Antony Blinken during the presentation of the laureates.

During her speech, Jill Biden emphasized that she wants to be heard by girls around the world who are told that they are not beautiful, smart or successful enough to be influential, or that their desires are too bold or unimportant: "We say to them: Yes, you matter, you bring change!" She also called on men to be partners and help women, as this is the only way to build a world of equality.

On March 6, the United States announced the winners of the 2023 Women of Courage Award