US Ambassador G. Kathleen Hill presented Amy Camilleri Zahra with the 'Ambassador's Woman of Courage' award during a reception held on Thursday. 

The US Embassy selected Ms Camilleri Zahra as the recipient of this award because of her exceptional and courageous work as an advocate for human rights, in particular the rights of women and persons with disabilities.

Speaking to an audience of distinguished leaders in business, medicine, politics, the judiciary, academia, and civil society, Ambassador Hill praised Ms Camilleri Zahra's efforts to promote the rights of people with disabilities and particularly the rights of women with disabilities, who suffer from double discrimination as both women and as disabled persons. 

In recognizing Ms Camilleri Zahra's role as a Woman of Courage, Ambassador Hill spoke about President Barack Obama's commitment to nurturing a society that values the contributions of all its citizens and residents - including the approximately 50 million people in the United States living with disabilities.  Ambassador Hill said, "Ms Camilleri Zahra is a powerful advocate for inclusive societies in which every member has a role to play and a contribution to make." 

Past recipients of the US Embassy's Woman of Courage Award include:  Ms. Renee Laiviera, Commissioner for the Promotion of Equality, Dr. Katrine Camilleri, Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service, and Ms. Gabi Calleja, Coordinator of the Malta Gay Rights Movement.