Fiji Women's Crisis Centre co-ordinator Shamima Ali has won a major US award for courage.
The Fiji Times reports that the US ambassador Larry Dinger has named Ms Ali as an honoree in the inaugural International Women of Courage Award.
Mr Dinger said Ms Ali is one of many remarkable women of Fiji who deserve recognition on International Women's Day.
He says that since the December coup, women have been at the forefront in calling for a rapid return to democracy and for the respect of human rights.
Mr Dinger says many women have faced intimidation or physical abuse for their outspokenness, and the US admires and salutes them for their commitment and their courage.
