Created: 3/11/2010 11:40:15 AM 
Washington, DC -- Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon joined first lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday to honor women from across the globe who have shown tremendous courage and leadership in advocating for human rights.
Witherspoon, who is a global ambassador for the Avon Foundation, is partnering with the non-profit group Vital Voices to highlight the difficult issues that women face including domestic abuse.
In total seven women were honored with the 2010 International Women of Courage Awards at Wednesday's ceremony.
Those honored include: Wazhma Frogh who is being recognized for her efforts to combat sexual and domestic violence in her native country of Afghanistan.
Norma Cruz from Guatemala was recognized for working to end the culture of violence and murder against woman in her home land.
Despite threats to her own safety, Suaad Allami is another woman who was honored for advancing the legal rights and health care for woman in Iraq.
