Vital Voices, one of the leading non-governmental organizations that trains and empowers women leaders in emerging democracies, will honor five remarkable international women leaders at its Global Leadership Awards on Thursday, March 19 at the Kennedy Center. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will also be recognized for her long-time commitment to empowering women around the world. Vital Voices began more than ten years ago as a government initiative led by Secretary Clinton as First Lady.
Award presenters include Ben Affleck, Maria Bello, Candice Bergen, Sally Field, Nicholas Kristof and Diane von Furstenberg.
The 2009 Global Leadership Award recipients are:
Somaly Mam of Cambodia, receiving the “Human Rights Award” for her work with victims of human trafficking and creation of the organization AFESIP, “Acting for Women in Distressing Circumstances.” Founded in Cambodia in 1997, AFESIP has since expanded to Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.
Temituokpe Esisi of Nigeria, receiving the “10,000 Women Unlocking Economic Potential Award” for entrepreneurial skills cultivated in her home city of Lagos. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Law, Esisi established her own fashion design company and completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Scholarship program.
Marceline Kongolog-Bice of the Democratic Republic of Congo, receiving the “Fern Holland Award” for the creation of “SOS Femmes en Dangers,” which works to heal and rehabilitate rape victims, educate women on their rights, provide defense tactics and give a voice to silenced victims.
Chouchou Namegabe Nabintu of the Democratic Republic of Congo, also receiving the “Fern Holland Award.” Nabintu uses her broadcast journalism skills as a weapon against government corruption and injustices against women.
Sadiqa Basiri Saleem of Afghanistan, receiving the “Rising Voices Award” for the founding of the Oruj Learning Center which provides women an education they had been denied.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, receiving the “Global Trailblazer Award” for her long-time commitment to empowering women around the world.
What: Vital Voices’ 2009 Global Leadership Awards Benefit
Where: Eisenhower Theater, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
When: March 19, 2009, 8:00 p.m. Awards Presentation
Web Site: http://www.vitalvoices.org/
Source: Vital Voices Global Partnership
