Global Ties Detroit is excited to be chosen to receive a visit from the IWOC awardee. The Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award (IWOC) annually recognizes women around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment, often at great personal risk and sacrifice.  The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) partners annually with the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues (S/GWI) on IWOC to offer an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) following the award ceremony. With a Detroit Free Press reporter who has covered FGM extensively, partnerships between local police and a community program to combat gender violence, and an extensive network for female leaders and entrepreneurs, Global Ties Detroit will provide a hard-hitting, comprehensive program for IWOC on Women’s Health and Economic Empowerment themes.