Woman of Courage Award


Since 1994, the National Organization for Women has presented the Woman of Courage Award annually at the National NOW Conference, and periodically at issue-based summits organized by NOW and/or the NOW Foundation. Honorees are chosen for having demonstrated personal bravery in challenging entrenched power and in carrying out action that has the potential to benefit women in general.
Recipients of this award have been plaintiffs in lawsuits that challenged sex-based discrimination and pervasive sexual harassment. They have also been leaders who organized other women to promote better working conditions and opportunities in non-traditional careers, such as New York firefighter Capt. Brenda Berkman. An awardee may be an individual who brought attention to an important issue through her own experience, such as Christy Brzonkala. After being raped by two football players at Virginia Tech, Brzonkala sued the university, and her case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Another honoree was a young woman, Julia Gabriel, who took action to improve labor conditions by testifying against those who force illegal servitude. In a highly publicized case, future awardee Lilly Ledbetter took her case against sex-based pay discrimination by Goodyear Tire and Rubber to the Supreme Court at great personal cost. NOW also presents the Woman of Courage Award to women who have accomplished special or unique feats undertaken by few others, such as Barbara Hillary, who reached the North Pole at the age of 75.
YearWinnerOccupation
2014Ruslana LyzhichkoSinger, social activist
2011Nancy Hogshead-MakarTitle IX advocate, Olympic athlete
2009Susan HillAbortion rights activist
2008Barbara HillaryNurse, Traveler
2008Lilly LedbetterActivist against wage discrimination
2006Dr. Susan WoodFormer Assistant Commissioner for Women's Health and Director of the Food and Drug Administration's Office of Women's Health
2006Ani DiFrancoSinger, songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, activist
2005Tillie Black BearFounder of the first shelter for women of color
2005Sybil Niden GoldrichAdvocate for women on silicone breast implants
2005Kakenya NtaiyaEducating African women
2005Katie HnidaFootballer
2004Dr. Donna J. NelsonProfessor of organic chemistry, University of Oklahoma; Nelson Diversity Surveys author
2004Carol Moseley BraunUnited States Senator and U.S. Ambassador
2003Barbara LeeU.S. Representative
2002Captain Brenda BerkmanFirefighter
2002JoDee FlockhartAdvocate against sexual harassment in workplace
2001Cheryl HaworthOlympic weightlifter
2001Maryanne ConnellyFeminist politician, former mayor of Fanwood, NJ
2000Christy BrzonkalaFirst person in U.S. to sue her attackers under the Violence Against Women Act
2000Elaine GordonTrail-blazing legislator
2000Julia GabrielActivist against forced labor
1999Martina PickettAdvocate for safe and just workplace
1999Tapestry of PolygamyGroup of women against the abuse of women and girls in illegal polygamous marriages
1999Del MartinLesbian rights activist
1999Phyllis LyonLesbian rights activist
1998Sylvia Smith and the Tonawanda NOW chapterNative American rights activist
1997Smith Barney SuitClass-action sexual harassment and discrimination suit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC.
1997Judge Lanier SuitSupreme Court sexual assault case against Chancery Court Judge David Lanier in United States v. Lanier
1997Mitsubishi SuitLawsuit against Mitsubishi plant in Normal, Ill., for discrimination, verbal and physical abuse
1996Mimi RamseyFounder of FORWARD International, a group that opposes female genital mutilation
1996Claudia Crown AdesReproductive rights activist
1996Rachel BauchmanYoung feminist
1995Shannon FaulknerFirst female member of the Corps of Cadets
1995Merari OrtizThen 10-year-old welfare rights activist
1994Lisa TigerNative American AIDS activist
1994Dolores HuertaCo-founder of the United Farm Workers
1994Fay ClaytonChicago attorney who successfully argued NOW v. Scheidler
1994Dr. Susan WicklundReproductive Justice advocate