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Umama Fatema, a prominent organizer of the anti-discrimination student movement, has publicly declined an award from the US State Department, citing the United States’ complicity in Israel’s war on Gaza.
In a Facebook post, she announced her decision to reject the “International Women of Courage” Award 2025, which had recognized female activists for their role in the July uprising. As part of this recognition, the “Madeleine Albright Honorary Group Award” was collectively awarded to women involved in the movement. Fatema also shared the official statement from the awarding body in her post.
Explaining her stance, she said, “While collective recognition of women activists is an honor, this award has been used to justify Israel’s brutal assault on Palestine in October 2023. By endorsing Israel’s actions while disregarding Palestine’s struggle for freedom, the award has lost its neutrality. Palestinians have been denied their fundamental rights, including their right to land. In solidarity with their fight for independence, I am personally rejecting this award.”
The Madeleine Albright Honorary Group Award was intended to honor women who played a pivotal role in student-led protests against violent repression in Bangladesh during July-August 2024.
