Umama Fatema, a prominent student leader in the movement that ousted former Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina, has turned down the U.S. International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award in protest of Washington’s backing of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The award ceremony, set for April 1, 2025, will be attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and First Lady Melania Trump. Fatema and other activists were chosen for the “Madeleine Albright Honorary Group Award” for their pivotal role in Bangladesh’s July 2024 uprising.
However, Fatema condemned the award’s previous support for Israel, arguing that accepting it would betray the Palestinian fight for justice. In a social media post, she declared:
“While this recognition is a tremendous honor, in October 2023, this very award was used to justify Israel’s violent assault on Palestine. By ignoring the Palestinian liberation movement, the award has legitimized oppression, raising doubts about its neutrality. The Palestinian people have endured decades of denied rights—including their claim to their own land. In solidarity with their struggle, I refuse this award.”
She ended her statement with the rallying cry: “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free.”