Nicole Kidman receives award for her work on women’s rights

Nicole Kidman has received a special honorary award from the Cinema for Peace Foundation in Berlin, for her work with UN Women on women’s rights.

As a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, Nicole Kidman has played a pivotal role in the global success of UN Women’s Say NO – UNiTE to End Violence against Women initiative, which to date, has recorded more than 5 million actions taken by individuals, groups, organisations and governments, to end violence against women.

“When I first learned that one in three women and girls experience violence in their lifetime, I was utterly shocked,” said Nicole. “Much of my work for UN Women has since been dedicated to this issue.”

Pictured with Nicole Kidman is Assistant Secretary-General and UN Women Acting Head Lakshmi Puri, who expressed her appreciation for the award on behalf of UN Women. Lakshmi Puri also stressed the need for strong partnerships in light of the persistent challenges for women’s empowerment and gender equality.

“There is so much to do. Right now, we are looking to Egypt where UN Women has supported women since the early stages of the democratic transition. At this crucial juncture, women must be part of a peaceful and democratic dialogue to determine the country’s future,” said Lakhmi Puri. “In Syria, too, women must fully take part in the mediation and reconciliation process.”

Since 2001 Cinema for Peace has served as a forum to bring together internationally renowned figures from the fields of film, politics and society to raise awareness on humanitarian issues. The Foundation has been a supporter of the Say NO initiative since 2008, with Catherine Deneuve and others raising $100,000 for the campaign.

Nicole Kidman told Cinema for Peace in 2008: “Tonight, I am asking each of you to add your name and go on record to say ‘no’ to violence against women. One in three women may suffer from abuse and violence in her lifetime. It is a pandemic. Let survivors of violence around the world know that they can count on us. I lend my voice to salute those who champion human rights, peace and international understanding. This must be the legacy we pass on to all of our children.”

Commenting on it’s decision to honour Nicole with a special award, the Board of the Cinema for Peace Foundation said in a statement:

“Nicole Kidman has helped to give a voice to countless women, who are survivors of gender-based violence. Alongside such efforts, Nicole has also helped raise funds for various programs and significantly contributed to fight violence against women in many parts of the world. She is a role model for others.”

Photo credit: Getty Images/Luca Teuchmann at UN Women