The Zacharias Center Promotes Women Empowerment with Luncheon

8th Annual
WOMEN HELPING WOMEN
Benefit Luncheon
Friday, June 11
The Zacharias Center
Gurnee, IL


“Women hold up half the sky” - Chinese proverb
The best way to fight poverty and extremism is to educate and empower women and girls.

Pulitzer Prize winner Sheryl WuDunn is the keynote speaker at this important fundraising luncheon. She will be leading the attendees through “a journey through Africa and Asia to meet an extraordinary array of women struggling under profoundly dire circumstances—and an equally astonishing group that have triumphed.” She and her husband, Nicholas Kristof, created the nonfiction best seller Half the Sky. It has been touted throughout the world as a groundbreaking work of literature, which addresses the issues of women marginalized by their gender. WuDunn points out that it is the time for women to step away from oppression and seize the respect and equality they deserve. In fact, WuDunn herself is paving the path for women as a prominent businesswoman, outstanding journalist and author, and the first Asian American to win a Pulitzer Prize.

“Their insight into gender issues and the role of women in development inspires hope, optimism, and most importantly, the will to change. Both a brutal awakening and an unmistakable call to action, this book should be read by all.” Melinda Gates

“Half the Sky is a passionate and persuasive plea to all of us to rise up and say ‘No more!’ to the 17th-century abuses to girls and women in the 21st-century world. This is a book that will pierce your heart and arouse your conscience. It is a powerful piece of journalism by two masters of the craft who are tireless in their pursuit of one of the most shameful conditions of our time.” Tom Brokaw

“I think it’s impossible to stand by and do nothing after reading Half the Sky. It does what we need most, it bears witness to the sheer cruelty that mankind can do to mankind.” George Clooney

“Women facing poverty, oppression, and violence are usually viewed as victims. Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn’s Half the Sky shows that unimaginable challenges are often met with breathtaking bravery. These stories show us the power and resilience of women who would have every reason to give up but never do. They will be an inspiration for anyone who reads this book, and a model for those fighting for justice around the world.” Angelina Jolie

Women of the World supports the mission and vision of Half the Sky. “We hope you join an incipient movement to emancipate women and fight global poverty by unlocking women's power as economic catalysts. It is a process that transforms bubbly teenage girls from brothel slaves into successful businesswomen. You can help accelerate change if you'll just open your heart and join in.”

This luncheon is a benefit for the Zacharias Center, a sexual abuse center with the following mission: to provide a place where survivors of sexual assault and abuse can heal and mobilize the community toward action to end sexual violence. By attending this luncheon, not only with the attendees step away with a new look at the amazing potential of women worldwide, but they will be supporting an end to sexual violence and the much needed work of the Zacharias Center.

To buy tickets or gather further information about this event, visit the Zacharias Center online: http://www.zcenter.org/index.htm