WASHINGTON: Former Japanese Self-Defense Forces member Rina Gonoi, who went public about the sexual harassment and abuse she experienced during her service, has been named among the 12 winners of the 2024 International Women of Courage Awards given by the US Department of State, the department said Friday.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and first lady Jill Biden will host the annual award ceremony at the White House on Monday.

Gonoi “shined a light on an otherwise taboo subject in traditional Japanese society,” the department said in a statement.

“Her bravery to take on social norms emboldened countless survivors of abuse to come forward with their own stories so that they no longer suffered in silence,” the statement noted. “Based on Ms. Gonoi’s push for meaningful reform, the JSDF is building a more secure workplace so that Japanese of any gender can defend their country with dignity.”

The guilty ruling has become final for three former members of Japan’s Ground SDF over their sexual assault against Gonoi. The accusation by Gonoi prompted the Japanese Defense Ministry to work on eradicating harassment including by conducting a special probe covering all SDF personnel.

Gonoi will be the second Japanese to win the International Women of Courage Award, after Sayaka Osakabe, who supports victims of maternity harassment, or workplace discrimination against pregnant and childbearing women, in 2015.

The award, created in 2007, recognizes women from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equity and equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

JIJI Press