United Nations Millennium Campaign honours women keeping moms & babies safe
APRIL 2011 — The Millennium Campaign released the winners of its “Women Make it Happen” competition this month. The organization was flooded with compelling personal stories of women empowering themselves and others to educate, to keep mothers and babies safe and healthy, to protect the children, earn a decent living and to stand up for their rights.
Unsung MDG hero
Inacia Freitas was honoured for her work reducing child mortality, improving maternal health and fighting HIV/AIDS and other diseases among the Kaiapo in Brazil.
Widia Nita was recognized for her courage and perserverence leaving her hometown in Indonesia to pursue post-secondary education despite lack of support from her family.
Most inspiring story
Punnam Toppo received this award for tackling issues of domestic violence and empowering local women in Jarkhand, India.
Zahra Sahm Al-Bassam was honoured for her work championing the cause of underprivileged orphans and widows in Iraq
Recognition for an outstanding organisation supporting MDG achievement
Parul Sheth was recognized for her work empowering India’s young women and children to overcome daily injustices and stand up for their rights.
Margaret J. Komen was honoured with this award for helping elevate Kenya's farmers to a level of self-relianc
Most inspiring MDG activist
Elizabeth Chikwendu Onyeahialam was recognized for her significant impact on the social and economic development of women in Nigerian communities.
People’s choice
The competition's Facebook fans chose Ivy as an award winner for overcoming personal hardship to stand up for gender equality in the Philippines.