Honorees from Madagascar, Mexico, Nepal and the United States
receive award for exemplary contributions to women’s
health and the promotion of women’s rights
Four American women from the corporate sector will be honored alongside
activists from Madagascar, Mexico and Nepal on October 7, 2008 at Gotham
Hall in New York City by Americans for UNFPA. The 2008 Honorees are
individuals who recognize that actions of one woman make a difference to
all women. They combine passion and entrepreneurship with social and
civic responsibility to advance the health and dignity of women.
Four hundred guests in gala/international attire are expected to attend.
The event, slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. is co-chaired by Wendy Cai-lee,
Managing Director, Deloitte, LLP; Ned Cloonan, Vice President, AIG; and
Judy Hu, Global Executive Director, GE. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
and UNFPA Executive Director, Thoraya Ahmed Obaid are also expected to
attend. The Awards will be presented at 8:30pm.
The 2008 Americans for UNFPA American Honorees are:
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Beth Comstock, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing
Officer, GE, promotes and extends GE's investment in technologies that
improve environmental and consumer health;
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Kathy Matsui, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs, Chief Japan
Strategist, urges investors to see the untapped earning power and
economic potential of all the world’s women
as the key to a stronger economy.
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Margie McGlynn, President, Merck Vaccines and Infectious
Disease, champions women’s ability to access
life-saving vaccines, treatment and health information worldwide.
In recognition of UNFPA’s work to ensure
maternal health, a 2008 Award for Safe Motherhood will be presented to:
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Bridgette Heller, Global President, Baby Care, Johnson &
Johnson, for her commitment to the health of new and expectant mothers
around the globe.
The 2008 International Award for the Health and Dignity of Women is
named for Thoraya Ahmed Obaid. As UNFPA Executive Director she has
emphasized the importance of women’s health
initiatives that emerge from within a society, shaped by people’s
cultural values and religious beliefs.
The International Award shines a light within the U.S. on the
overwhelming problems women face worldwide.
