This year, as we honor the 61st anniversary of the historic signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Vital Voices Human Rights Program is, in collaboration with The Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project, convening a global summit for women leaders in the city of peace and site of the signing, Geneva. The summit is designed to train and prepare young women leaders from nearly 30 countries to become positive agents of change. With a focus on access to adequate food and shelter, access to education and full political participation, and the eradication of human trafficking, the international gathering invited world-renowned women leaders and human rights organizations to mentor young women who have shown promise.
Renewing our commitment to public service, women’s leadership, and human rights, The Courage to Lead: A Global Summit for Women Leaders honors women who have championed human rights. The Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project will on December 10 present U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with the Eleanor Roosevelt Lifetime Achievement Award in Human Rights for her commitment to ensuring that women’s rights are recognized as human rights. Vital Voices Global Leadership Award honoree and Cambodian Member of Parliament Mu Sochua will join Somali Peace Activist Asha Hagi in receiving the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Leadership Award.