DUSHANBE, March 5, 2014, Asia-Plus – Ms. Oynihol Bobonazarova, a pioneer of the human rights movement in Tajikistan, was among 10 women awarded as "International Women of Courage" by the U.S. Department of State.

Radio Liberty reports that speaking at the award ceremony in Washington on March 4, First Lady Michelle Obama said: “With every life they touch and every spirit they raise, these women are creating ripples that stretch across the globe.”

A lawyer by profession, Ms. Bobonazarova is best known for her advocacy of human rights and her work with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Open Society Institute/Assistance Foundation.

Ms. Oynihol Bobonazarova is the head of the "Perspektiva" social movement and since 1990 has been known for her work with democratic parties in Tajikistan.

In September 2013, Ms. Bobonazarova became the first ever female candidate for President of Tajikistan when the Islamic Revival Party (IRP) nominated her as its standard bearer.  Since her unsuccessful bid for the presidency, Ms. Bobonazarova has continued to speak out against torture and has been instrumental in working with the NGO association “Coalition against Torture” and the Ombudsman’s Office to establish the first independent prison monitoring program since prisons were closed to outside access in 2004.

The International Women of Courage Award is an American award presented annually by the United States Department of State to women around the world who have shown leadership, courage, resourcefulness and willingness to sacrifice for others, especially for better promotion of women''s rights.

The award was established in 2007 by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on the International Women''s Day, an annual celebration observed each March 8 in many countries worldwide.  U.S. embassies have the right to recommend one woman as a candidate.