As the year draws to a close, we’d like to thank each and every one of you for your generous support. Because of you, more girls will get the education they deserve and more women will get the health care they need. We’ve made great strides, but there is more work to be done.

In case you missed your chance to make a tax deductible end-of-year donation, it’s not too late to contribute! Here’s the link. Each year, we are one step closer to gender equality for all!

With warm wishes for a joyful 2019,

Lalita Janke, President

 Susan Cutri, Executive Director

“UN Women is delighted to welcome Danai Gurira in her new role as Goodwill Ambassador to support our work on gender equality. As an author, playwright, actor and activist in pursuit of women’s empowerment and gender equality with her sharp human rights lens, she is uniquely qualified to communicate and inspire. She recognizes the challenges of intersectionality and will connect with the diversity of women living on the margins of society.” – Under-Secretary-General and UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

Hosted by the UN Women National Committee Australia, the National Committees’ meeting in Fiji brought together staff from UN Women Headquarters, Fiji office, and National Committees from around the world. Board Member, Libby Thompson, and Executive Director, Susan Cutri, represented the U.S. National Committee.

They all had the fantastic opportunity to visit UN Women’s Markets For Change project sites at the Nausori Market and Rakiraki Market, the UN Women Fiji head office in Suva, and the House of Sarah that works in partnership with UN Women’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls program.

Image Credit: UN Women/Sarika Chand

The Chicago Chapter of USNC-UN Women was delighted to host its signature fundraiser, the Gender Equality Awards, on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018 at the of the National Museum of Mexican Art.

The third-annual event showcased individuals and organizations that have demonstrated significant leadership and progress in the field of civic and political engagement toward gender equality.  

Along with the presentation of the honorees, all of whom have roots in the Chicago area, the event included dinner and drinks, a silent auction and entertainment from Chicago’s Lyriq Music School.

The honorees were selected by the Chicago chapter members. Each honoree spoke about their respective mission during the ceremony. The 2018 GEA recipients included Chicago Women Take Action, Latino Union of Chicago Executive Director Analia Rodriguez, Mujeres Latinas en Accion, and actor/filmmaker/activist David Schwimmer.

On November 8th, the North Carolina Chapter held their 5th annual luncheon and panel discussion at the North Carolina Governor’s mansion ballroom. This year’s theme was “Claiming Our Power“, which aligned with UN Women’s 50-50 by 2030 “Step it Up for Gender Equality” initiative. 

Over 150 of NC Triangle’s influential women and men joined the luncheon to honor Curt Ladig, CEO of Delta Dental of North Carolina and Monica Daye, from StandUp SpeakOut, for their exemplary leadership in issues impacting women and girls.

Guest speakers included Chief of Raleigh Police Department, Cassandra Deck Brown; Executive Director of Stand Up, Speak Out NC, Monica Daye; public health practitioner, Ginger Garner; past National President of the League of Women Voters, Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins; and  Director Global Markets – Technology Division of Credit Suisse, Sondra Rivers.

N.C. Governor Roy Cooper made a surprise visit and spoke about how he values the role of women to help him build a North Carolina that works for everyone.