Actress Nicole Kidman helps raise funds for UN work in support of women in China
The Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman, who serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), today raised more than $175,000 for projects to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in China.
Ms. Kidman raised the money at a fund-raising event during her first trip to Hong Kong for the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). The event was organized in conjunction with the luxury watchmaker Omega, and also featured a private concert by Ms. Kidman’s husband, the Grammy Award–winning singer Keith Urban.
“I feel passionately about support for UNIFEM because the work to empower women and advance their human rights is so important,” said Ms. Kidman. “Together with Omega we are in Hong Kong to raise awareness and also vital funding for UNIFEM’s projects in China.”
Joan Libby-Hawk, UNIFEM’s head of public affairs, said the fundraiser in Hong Kong highlighted what could be done to build support for programmes that helped women live without violence and enjoy their fundamental rights. “Together we can show what an impact a global community can make,” she said.
The proceeds from the event will be used to strengthen UNIFEM’s work in China, mainly through ending violence against women. The funds will support shelter and legal protection for survivors of violence, and address the challenges faced by HIV-positive women.
Some of the funds will also support programmes that focus on the economic empowerment of migrant and domestic workers through training and education, and women’s political participation at the local level, according to UNIFEM.
Through the partnership with Ms. Kidman, Omega has also supported UNIFEM’s programmes in the past. Last year, for example, at the launch of the Say No UNiTE online platform, which showcases actions towards ending violence against women, and for which Ms. Kidman is a spokesperson, the company announced a challenge grant of $50,000 for the first 50,000 actions.