The National Council for Research on Women (NCRW) honored four women and two men on Monday night at a festive dinner in New York. The organization brings together academics, policymakers, executives and researchers to "build a more inclusive, equitable and secure world for women and girls." NCRW's network provides research, experts and information to companies, governments and media. NBC Today Show co-host Natalie Morales was master of ceremonies for the event.
NCRW President Linda Basch opened the "Making a Difference for Women Awards" by welcoming the crowd of about 600 attendees with a few statistics: Although women earn more than half of university degrees, including more PhDs than men, and comprise 51% of professional and management ranks, they still make up only "between 15% and 17%" of the top leadership posts in the U.S., and "only 3% of Fortune 500 CEOs." NCRW is out to change that with initiatives to boost not only young women in the pipeline for business, academia and other occupations but global initiatives to "eliminate violence" and reach a "critical mass of women's leadership."
The honorees included (L-R) Michelle Bachelet, Ruth Simmons, Basch, Morales, Mickie Siebert, Ed Gilligan and Patricia Gruber.
