International Women's Day 2009 - Brazilia, Brazil

 
On 5 March 2009, in the context of the celebrations for the "International Women's Day" week, the Brazilian Congress granted five Brazilian personalities the Bertha Lutz Award, named after the homonymous activist who fought for women’s right to vote in Brazil. The Senate designated the award to women who played an important role in defending equal gender opportunities in 2008. Among the five winners was UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Ms. Lily Marinho.

After the award ceremony in the Senate, the Director of the UNESCO Brasilia Office, Mr. Vincent Defourny, hosted a lunch reception for the five guests of honour, which was also attended by influential political women and the President of the Senate, and former Brazilian President, Mr. José Sarney. At the reception, Mr. Defourny recalled UNESCO’s steady commitment towards achieving gender equality to the participants .

A reference to the activity is displayed on the following website (only available in Portuguese): Click here

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Photo: The Director of the UNESCO Brasilia Office, Vincent Defourny, and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Lily Marinho © Isabel de Paula