Ten Women Receive U.S. Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award

The U.S. State Department's International Women of Courage Award annually recognizes women around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality and women's empowerment. Since the program's start in 2007, more than 120 women from some 65 countries have been honored.The 2018 recipients were recognized Friday in Washington, D.C. First lady Melania Trump presented the awards to Roya Sadat of Afghanistan, Aura Elena Farfan of Guatemala, Dr. Julissa Villanueva of Honduras, Aliyah Khalaf Saleh of Iraq, Sister Maria Elena Berini of Italy, Aiman Umarova of Kazakhstan, Dr. Feride Rushiti of Kosovo, L'Malouma Said of Mauritania, Godelive Mukasarasi of Rwanda and Sirikan Charoensiri of Thailand.The honorees bios can be found here. One recipient from Asia is Charoensiri, who co-founded Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, a collective that provides pro bono legal services in human rights cases and documents human rights issues under Thailand's military government. Following the awards ceremony, honorees left Washington to visit several cities, including Dallas, before heading to Los Angeles for a closing ceremony on Wednesday. The World Affairs Council of Dallas-Fort Worth hosted Mukasarasi on Monday and Tuesday. Asian Week at the ArboretumThe Dallas Arboretum is awash in color as it presents its popular Dallas Blooms through April 8. The 2018 theme is "World of Flowers," and different regions of the world are being showcased. Through Friday, the focus will be on Asia. A number of Asian-related events are planned.WEDNESDAY11 a.m.: A master gardener presentation and tour. Cherry blossoms will be highlighted.Noon: An origami demonstrationNoon-3 p.m.: Chinese calligraphy FRIDAY10 a.m.-3 p.m.: An international market6-8 p.m.: Taste of Asia cooking class. Tickets are $60 for members and $65 for others; call 214-515-6615 or visit dallasarboretum.org The arboretum is at 8525 Garland Road. UTA professor receives awards  Continue reading...