Leading women’s rights organization Equality Now will honor author Margaret Atwood and philanthropist and behavioral geneticist Sue Smalley, Ph.D. at their annual Make Equality Reality Gala in Los Angeles on Monday, December 3, 2018, at the Beverly Hilton.
Atwood has long been a compelling icon for women’s rights activists, and her work has gained new audiences through the award-winning TV adaptation of her seminal novel, The Handmaid’s Tale. Equality Now has partnered with series producer Hulu for the Hope Lives In Every Name campaign, which highlights parallels between the themes covered by Atwood and the real challenges facing women and girls globally.
Dr. Smalley is professor emerita in the Department of Psychiatry at UCLA, and has conducted groundbreaking studies on the genetics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorders and autism, as well as being a leading researcher and promoter of mindfulness and meditation for wellbeing. She has been a fantastic advocate for Equality Now’s work for over a decade, playing an invaluable part in making gender equality a reality through her role on the board of directors.
This year, Gucci and CHIME FOR CHANGE will present the inaugural Changemaker Award to a youth activist. The 2018 Gala Co-Chairs include Gloria Steinem, Susan Hassan, Heather Pulier and Paula Ravets.
Margaret Atwood: “Equality Now’s work has a huge impact on the lives of women and girls around the world. I admire the organization’s commitment to justice, especially during a time when it is needed the most. I’m honored to count myself as their ally.”
Sue Smalley Ph.D.: “I am proud to support Equality Now, an organization with the courage to take on difficult cases and change laws affecting women and girls. When a law is changed it can impact millions. Equality Now is leading the way to a kinder and more equitable world and I’m honored to be part of it.”
Equality Now’s Global Executive Director, Yasmeen Hassan: “We are thrilled to honor Margaret Atwood and Sue Smalley. Margaret’s creativity in calling out social structures that keep women down is unparalleled and has helped increase activism in this period of backtracking on women’s rights. Sue’s expertise in mindfulness and leadership on the board has positioned us to grow and better support women’s rights around the world. Both are activists who have used their particular skill set to significantly advance women’s rights.”
