Women's World Awards 2008/2009

HONORING THE BEST.
The WOMEN’S WORLD AWARDS are among the most prestigious events in the world. They have been presented since 2004 by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Mikhail Gorbachev, the President of the WORLD AWARDS, during a televised event to fascinating and talented women whose exceptional achievements in a variety of fields give courage and provide inspiration to millions of others: unique personalities with vision, personal strength, commitment to their ideals and, above all, a passion for creating a better world in the 21^st century. The WOMEN’S WORLD AWARDS endeavor to bring about a more humane society and empower women to achieve their goals – whatever they may be.


Oprah Winfrey	Grande Finale: Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston and the 2004 Award Winners singing "That's What Friends Are For".	Bianca Jagger

REACHING MORE THAN 1.5 BILLION PEOPLE.
Since their inception these unique awards have reached more than 1.5 billion people around the world via television, print media, radio and internet. Once a year the International WORLD AWARDS Jury chooses the award winners in up to 15 categories. The list of previous winners is a veritable Who-is-Who of the most powerful, influential and prominent women of our time and includes Oprah Winfrey, HM Queen Noor of Jordan, Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg, NASA’s Shana Dale, Donatella Versace, Bianca Jagger, CNN’s Christiane Amanpour and Catherine Deneuve. They are among the exceptional individuals whose unique contributions to society help to promote equality for women, self-determination as well as making a strong statement toward ending social and economic discrimination. However, the WOMEN’S WORLD AWARDS also acknowledge women for their outstanding achievements who have never been in the spotlight before, but taken the initiative to help make our world a better place, each in her own way and in her own field. For instance Stella Deetjen, who established the “Little Stars School” and a street clinic in Benares, India to help the victims of Leprosy and the orphans of those who have succumbed to this deadly, but curable disease. Her courageous story is an inspiration to millions of others – and a godsend for the impoverished and sick of India.

OUTSTANDING WOMEN.
The 20^th Century was marked by many outstanding women who strived for equality, freedom and demonstrated social commitment. Women like Bertha von Suttner, one of the first international peace activists who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1905, Mother Teresa, the Roman Catholic missionary who dedicated her life to helping the poor, the Guatemalan human rights activist Rigoberta Menchú, Princess Diana, who advocated the banning of all land mines or Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a woman with great sensitivity for the underprivileged of all creeds, races, and nations whose credo was: “We must try to do things we think we cannot do.”


Mother Teresa	Lady Diana	Audrey Hepburn	Raisa Gorbachev	Eleanor Roosevelt

All of them have stood for peace and tolerance as well as civil rights. Due to their as well as the vigorous efforts of many others the general situation for women and society at large has continually improved. Yet, there is still a long way to go. Discrimination and violence regrettably remain part of the day-to-day reality of women – at the workplace, in every day life, through religion or in health matters in many parts of the world.

Women and children are still the innocent victims of armed conflicts. In many countries throughout the world women are still considered “second class citizens” and in some countries – even in the 21^st century – they have no rights at all.

It is time to change these dire facts.
It is particularly significant that this award is presented by a man who dramatically changed the world, who helped end the Cold War and brought freedom to millions - former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. He has always stated that he could not have accomplished these changes without the support of his strong and beloved wife Raisa: “She was my heart and soul who gave me the strength to make the most difficult decisions. Therefore she was the foundation for all I ever was able to achieve. Making the world a better place is never an easy task. But we all must find the strength to take the first step – even if the odds are against us. So let’s change the world for the better – together.”