Japanese ex-soldier wins U.S. award for her fight against sexual harassment

FILE PHOTO: Rina Gonoi, a former member of Japan's Self Defence Forces, who has accused colleagues of sexually assaulting her during her time in the military, speaks to Reuters in Yokohama, Japan, December 8, 2023. REUTERS/Chris Gallagher/File Photo

TOKYO (Reuters) - The United States on Friday said it would honour former Japan Self-Defense Forces soldier Rina Gonoi with the International Women of Courage Award for bringing about change in the Japanese military with her victory in a sexual harassment case.

Gonoi, 24, will be among 12 recipients globally of the U.S. award on March 4, according to a U.S. State Department statement, with recognition also going to women from Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Cuba and others.