International Women of Courage Award 2009

The award ceremony took place in the CEU Auditorium, on March 31, 2009. The welcome address was delivered by President and Rector Yehuda Elkana. The award was handed over by US Ambassador to Hungary April H. Foley (pictured left), who delivered a keynote address on social responsibility, equality and tolerance.

The International Women of Courage Award 2009 award was presented to Viktoria Mohacsi (pictured right), in recognition of her extraordinary contributions in defense of human and civil rights of the Roma community all over Europe, her fight against aggression, segregation and stereotypes. Mohacsi, herself a Roma, and a Member of the European Parliament, said in her speech that she believed in the possibility of a peaceful co-existence between Roma and non-Roma. The event was chaired by Violetta Zentai, Director, Center for Policy Studies, CEU.

The International Women of Courage Award was founded by former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in 2007 and recognizes women who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for women's rights and advancement.

This award ceremony was the last time Ambassador Foley participated in an event held at CEU, and President and Rector Elkana spoke of her many achievements in Hungary and her great support for CEU.