ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE MS FOTOVAT: Good morning. My name is Kat Fotovat, and I am the senior official for the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues here at the State Department. It is my pleasure to welcome both our in-person and virtual audience to the 15th Annual Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Awards. We are delighted to join you today on International Women’s Day. Since 2007, the U.S. has marked this day by recognizing women who have exemplified exceptional courage and leadership, advocating for human rights, women’s equality, and social progress, often at great personal risk to themselves and their families.