In her opening remarks, Clinton reflected on the forces at work, such as climate change, technological advances and geopolitical change, that disproportionately impact women. The award’s theme, celebrating courageous women in journalism and peacebuilding, recognizes the women who are standing up for democracy, human rights and progress in their day-to-day lives, she said.
“Protecting and promoting a free press is critical to all of us, to our democracy, our sense of security and freedom, and it’s imperative that we have women’s perspectives in journalism, just as we must have in national security and diplomacy,” Clinton said.
Learn more about each awardee and how they will continue to use their platform to advance women’s voices, peace and human rights around the globe.
Christiane Amanpour
Chief International Anchor for CNN and Host of CNN International’s Amanpour
Amanpour, an award-winning war correspondent and human rights advocate, was honored for her courageous reporting from war zones, for giving voice to women, men and children whose stories may not otherwise be told, and for her leadership for women in journalism.
“Christiane Amanpour is a courageous war correspondent who has shed light on some of the darkest corners of the globe,” said GIWPS Executive Director Verveer. “She has put her life in danger to give voice to those who are suffering from the consequences of what she is covering.”
During a panel discussion, Amanpour reflected on the erasure of women and girls’ rights in Afghanistan and answered a student’s question about how to be an activist and journalist. She said she developed a mantra of being “truthful, not neutral.”
“I developed my mantra ‘be truthful, not neutral’ in Bosnia where there was a clear war of aggression,” she said. “All journalists have to figure out what it is they’re watching, what it is they’re witnessing.”
