Honoring Courage: Maria Maalouf Receives Women’s Empowerment Award in U.S.

Washington — The American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) has honored Lebanese-American journalist and political commentator Maria Maalouf for her contributions to journalism, women’s rights, and interfaith advocacy during a ceremony held in the U.S. capital.

Held in Washington, D.C., the event brought together dignitaries, faith leaders, human rights advocates, and prominent members of the diaspora to celebrate Maalouf’s decades-long career as a journalist who has fearlessly challenged authoritarianism, exposed extremism, and amplified the voice of Arab women on the global stage.

AMMWEC, known for its efforts to bridge Muslim and multifaith communities through civic engagement and dialogue, praised Maalouf as a “torchbearer of truth in journalism and a trailblazer for Arab women in media.”

“Maria Maalouf’s commitment to exposing radical ideologies and advocating for moderate voices is both courageous and transformative,” said AMMWEC President Anila Ali. “She represents the very essence of our mission—empowering women of faith to be global changemakers.”

In her acceptance speech, Maalouf struck a deeply personal and political tone, calling for renewed global attention to human dignity, justice, and women’s leadership.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by AMMWEC at a time when the world urgently needs voices that unite rather than divide,” she said. “I accept this award not just for myself, but on behalf of every woman who has dared to speak truth to power, every journalist who sheds light on injustice, and every leader who believes peace is the presence of justice.”

Maalouf dedicated the award to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the revered Emirati figure widely known as the “Mother of the Nation.”

“She is a living symbol of compassion, wisdom, and women’s empowerment—not only in the UAE but across the Arab world,” Maalouf said. “I have personally witnessed her unwavering support for Lebanon, especially in times of crisis, and her steadfast commitment to humanitarian aid, education, and dignity.”

Sheikha Fatima, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood in the UAE, has long been recognized by international institutions including UN Women and UNESCO for her leadership in advancing gender equality across the Arab world.

Maalouf’s tribute to Sheikha Fatima echoed her own advocacy across platforms like Al Arabiya, Sky News Arabia, and Future TV, where she has continuously pushed for democratic reforms, religious tolerance, and women’s representation.

Beyond her media work, Maalouf is known for her outspoken criticism of extremism in the Middle East and for advocating closer cooperation between Arab and Western democracies to foster pluralism and stability.

“Never underestimate your voice,” she said in her final message to women around the world. “Use it to challenge stereotypes, defend the voiceless, and shape the future we all deserve.”

AMMWEC’s recognition of Maria Maalouf comes amid growing calls for Arab women to play more visible roles in diplomacy, counter-extremism, and global governance—an area where Maalouf has consistently led with resilience and clarity.

As Maalouf concluded her remarks, the audience rose in a standing ovation—not just for her, but for the ideals she represents: integrity in journalism, courage in activism, and hope in the face of adversity.

The event drew a diverse audience of diplomats, human rights advocates, faith leaders, and representatives from leading international organizations. Among the attending institutions were the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC), Hadassah – The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, UN Women, the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, the Combat Hate, Women Who Lead, and UNESCO.

These organizations, each playing a significant role in advancing global peace, social justice, and gender equality, came together in a show of solidarity to celebrate Maalouf’s contributions and reaffirm their shared commitment to empowering women and fostering interfaith and cross-cultural dialogue.