Salvation Army officer Major Velena Iga, of Papua New Guinea, was one of eight women to receive the International Women of Courage Award at the USA State Department from First Lady Melania Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The event took place in Washington, D.C., on April 1, 2025.
The award recognizes women from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength and leadership – often at great personal risk and sacrifice.
Major Velena Iga is The Salvation Army’s national contact person for modern slavery and human trafficking response in Papua New Guinea. She is a key figure in combating violence against women, sorcery-accusation-related violence and human trafficking. Her work spans advocacy, training and direct case management, and has established her as a trusted adviser, counsellor and leader.
Major Iga’s initiatives, such as a counselling hotline and the modern slavery and human trafficking training manual, have provided essential support services to survivors. Her efforts have driven systemic changes in Papua New Guinea’s legal and social frameworks, significantly enhancing protection and support for at-risk populations.
In response to receiving the award, Major Iga said: ‘It is a remarkable honor. It makes me humble, because though I have my name on the tablet, I dedicate this award to my women and girls of my country, the families who have gone through modern slavery and human trafficking, and also other violence against women, I owe this to them…
‘I will continue to fight for justice – not because of the award, but because it has always been a passion and a love for me to do what is right for the women and children of Papua New Guinea.’
Following the award presentation, Major Iga was interviewed by Priscilla Santos, International Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response Coordinator. In the interview Major Iga discussed her time in Washington DC and defined what courage meant to her.
