Judd has been advocating healthcare for women in India.
Bureau Report
WASHINGTON, DC: Actress and humanitarian Ashley Judd will be honored by the Global India Fund (GIF) for her unwavering commitment to showcasing the humanitarian, social and economic benefits of investing in the health of girls and women.
Judd is also the keynote speaker at GIF’s benefit gala 2013 themed, “Invest in Girls, Invest in a Stronger Future,” to be held at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium here, on March 2nd.
“Ashley has been a tireless advocate for girls and women in India, and across the developing world,” said Dr. Amita N. Vyas, Founder of the GIF. “Through her extensive travels and global advocacy efforts Ashley has raised the profile of women and girl’s health issues among politicians, policy makers and the general public.”
GIF is focused on giving people around the world the opportunity to save lives and make a real difference. It strives to inspires global philanthropy and changes the way people give by providing secure and transparent giving options to both individual and corporate donors. It also showcases the work of credible non-profit organizations in India and empowers donors to choose which organizations to support.
The goal of GIF’s annual gala is to get attention to improve access to healthcare for girls and women in India – where the need is overwhelming. In 2013, one woman in India will die due to complications during childbirth every five minutes; 200 girls will enter into prostitution every day; and two million children will die because they lack access to clean water.
According to the Center for Global Development, the rate of teen pregnancy in India alone results in $100 billion of lost potential income – equal to nearly two decades worth of global humanitarian assistance. These statistics are coupled with an alarming increase in gender-based violence- exemplified by the recent rape and death of a 23-year-old woman in Delhi, which received considerable international attention.
“I am honored to accept this award from the Global India Fund on behalf of the many inspiring girls, women and health workers I have met over the years who are far more deserving than I of recognition for the work they do every day,” said Judd, in a statement. “Access to basic healthcare should never be a barrier for a girl or woman to reach their full potential. The need for private investments that support the development of promising new health solutions cannot be understated.”