International Women's Day 2011

A century after the first International Women's Day, women around the globe people celebrated on Tuesday. And as part of their celebration in Washington, there were 10 women honored for their courage in pushing forward for women's rights.

"Early Show" co-anchor Erica Hill had the opportunity to discuss this vital day of acknowledgment with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

The standing ovations for the 10 International Women of Courage Award honorees came early and often Tuesday.

"Their courage their compassion their commitment their quiet moral authority has come from putting the well-being of others before their own," said Clinton.

Among the 2011 recipients, is Cameroon's Henriette Ekwe Ebongo.

"Today is a great day for us," said Ekwe Ebongo.

As a journalist, she has endured death threats, torture, and arrest, all because she dared to speak about the injustice she saw in her country.

While she is firmly focused on Cameroon's future, like many women, Henriette has found new hope in the uprisings across the Middle East.

"What would you say to some of those women if you could talk to them today?" Hill asked.

"I would tell them to stand firm and to continue their struggle," she replied.

On the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day Tuesday, women once again poured into Tahrir Square, a reminder of their place in Egypt's revolution -- and in its future.

"Women across the Middle East are insisting their voice be heard," said Secretary Clinton.

In Afghanistan, that means death threats and arson for prosecutor Maria Bashir who makes sure women know their legal rights.

In Pakistan, Ghulam Sughra was forced into marriage at 12 years old.

A divorce made her an outcast, yet she became the first woman in her village to graduate high school, and is now a tireless advocate for education.

Marisela Morales Ibanez risks her life each day going after the deadly drug cartels in Mexico whose violence has reached across into the U.S.

"They are activists. They are truth-tellers," first lady Michelle Obama said. "Their fearlessness inspires others to overcome their own fears. And so soon, 'citizen networks' emerge, eager for change. Soon, it's possible to rewrite laws, to topple regimes, to transform people's lives."

"As you look at all the women that were honored today and you hear their stories, what gives you hope that those voices will be heard long term?" Hill asked.

"I think times are different today than they were even 10, certainly 30, or 40 years ago," says Secretary Clinton. "Social media, the technology that now connects people, connects both men and women. Many of the young women that were in Tahrir Square were there because they were organizing on the Internet. I don't think that that clock cannot be turned back."

For Ekwe Ebongo, the recognition here is also important -- especially when she returns home.

"People called me from everywhere after the press release," she said. "They said OK, I hope that now they will not harass you anymore, and I think the prize will protect me. So this is the beginning."

Watch some of these impressive women talk about their plights and relentless courage and dedication to their freedom of speech