Melania Trump: Era of brutality against women, children ‘is over’

First lady Melania Trump called for women’s empowerment and unity in a rare public address Wednesday morning presenting the secretary of state’s International Women of Courage Awards.

“I am deeply humbled to be here today to honor these 12 remarkable and inspirational women who have given so much for so many, regardless of the unimaginable threat to their own personal safety,” Mrs. Trump said.

“Each one of these heroic women has been an extraordinary story of courage, which must inspire each of us to also achieve more than we have ever imagined possible,” she said.

Mrs. Trump presented the award to a dozen female activists at the State Department, while calling attention to the “horrendous atrocities” committed against women and children around the globe.

“We must continue to fight injustice in all its forms, in whatever scale or shape it takes in our lives,” she said. “Together, we must declare that the era of allowing brutality against women and children is over.”

It was a rare appearance for the new first lady, who didn’t mention President Trump or his administration during her 10-minute remarks, CNN reported.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Wednesday that the president shares the same view as his wife on women empowerment.

“The president believes as the first lady said this morning, quote: ’Wherever women are diminished, the entire world is diminished with them. However, wherever women are empowered, towns, villages, schools and economies are empowered, and together we are all made stronger,’” Mr. Spicer said, citing an excerpt from the first lady’s remarks, Politico reported. “The Trump administration will continue to work to ensure that the American economy is a place where women can work and thrive.”