Former City Councilmember Donna Frye was honored with the Woman of Courage Award Monday night.
A political action group recognized her for her involvement in politics and her role in exposing the allegations of sexual harassment against former San Diego mayor Bob Filner, once a political ally.
Six of Filner's accusers turned out for the event including the mayor’s former communication director Irene McCormick Jackson who filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Filner and the City of San Diego.
Ronne Froman, Joyce Gattas and Pattie Roscoe embraced McCormick Jackson at the front of the room.
Another Filner accuser, political consultant Laura Fink presented the award to Frye.
The former City Councilmember then took the microphone and advocated electing more women into political office so they can change the current rules and standards that allowed leaders like Filner.
Frye said she feels good about the mayor stepping down and hopes the victims and their stories will help others.
“If there are women who are going through this with their jobs, wherever, at school, that they feel more inclined to do something, to say something to know that there are people who will help them,” Frye said.
Abuse of power will be around for a long time to come but the difference is how women react to the problems, Frye said.
