US will honour Delhi braveheart

Washington, March 5: The 23-year-old Delhi gangrape victim will be posthumously honoured by the US with the prestigious International Women of Courage Award for inspiring people to fight against genderbased violence.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry would present the award on March 8, an official statement said.

The girl, a paramedical student, was brutally raped by six men in a moving bus in south Delhi on December 16 last year which triggered nationwide protests.

She succumbed to her injuries in a Singapore hospital on December 29.

“For millions of Indian women, her personal ordeal, perseverance to fight for justice, and her family’s continued bravery are helping to lift the stigma and vulnerability that drive violence against women,” the State Department said on Monday as it announced the awards to be given to 10 women from across the world.

She bravely recorded two police statements while in the hospital, repeatedly called for justice against the attackers, and stated her will to survive to see justice done, it said.

The International Women of Courage Award annually recognises women around the globe who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for women’s rights and empowerment, often at great personal risk.

In New Delhi, the family of the victim said it was happy that the girl’s courage has been acknowledged by the US. “She truly deserves the award and we are happy that her courage and bravery has been acknowledged,” the victim’s brother said.