A long journey from harassment at home to world recognition

Gao Yaojie was treated like a celebrity during her visit to the US capital, where she was honoured by America's most powerful people, including senator and presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton.

It was a far cry from the harassment she has had to endure in her native Henan province .

During a star-studded gala at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts on Wednesday night, Dr Gao received the Human Rights Award from US women's group Vital Voices for her work on behalf of Aids victims in China.

Senator Clinton hosted the event, with members of the Washington establishment in the audience, including Senator Chuck Hagel and former Hewlett-Packard chief executive Carly Fiorina.

Also present were Dr Gao's sister, Gao Mingfeng , who lives in Chicago, and her daughter, Guo Yanguang , who lives in Canada.

Dressed in a simple black-and-white blouse, the 80-year-old smiled and waved to the crowd as she was presented with her award. The audience gave her a standing ovation. When the event ended, some sought her autograph.

Dr Gao posed for photos with Senator Clinton, who was instrumental in having the activist attend the event. When it was reported that Henan officials had placed Dr Gao under house arrest to prevent her from visiting the US, the senator wrote to President Hu Jintao and Vice-Premier Wu Yi urging them to intervene.