Equality Now hosted their annual Make Equality Reality Gala last night at Gotham Hall in New York City.
The evening marked the organization’s 25th Anniversary honoring Gucci America President and CEO Susan Chokachi and A Breeze of Hope Foundation Founder Brisa De Angulo, and was Equality Now’s most successful gala ever, raised more than $825,000.
American poop rock band Haim Sisters performed at the event which brought together a diverse and dynamic group of change makers, activists, celebrities and philanthropists to celebrate women who are committed to making the world a better place for women and girls. The event was underwritten by Vanguard of Change sponsor, InMaat Foundation.
Creative Director Joss Whedon curated the evening’s program which tackled issues of gender equality, sexual violence, female genital mutilation (FGM), and sex trafficking. The program featured performances by: Amir Arison, Nazanin Boniadi, Vinie Burrows, Amy Carlson, Nisha Ganatra, Ana Gasteyer, Lauren Mayberry, Jennifer Morrison, Adepero Oduye, Dascha Polanco, Alysia Reiner, AnnaSophia Robb, Sheetal Sheth and the Vicious Psi Steppers.
Haim, took the stage to perform songs from their recently released sophomore album, they closed the evening with a cover of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.” The 2017 Make Equality Reality Gala Co-Chairs were Gloria Steinem, Tara Lynda Guber, Susan Hassan, Chandra Jessee (InMaat Foundation), Karen Lehner, and Sue Smalley, PhD.
“At a time when the rights of girls and women are still threatened all around the world, our support is needed now more than ever. After 25 years, Equality Now continues to lead the way in the fight for gender equality. Cases are being heard, laws are being changed, and issues affecting women and girls are being pushed to the top of policy agendas, due to Equality Now’s fearless efforts. On behalf of Gucci and CHIME FOR CHANGE, I am honored to join them in the ongoing fight for gender equality and for the future of millions of girls and women,” said Susan Chokachi.
“Our work in Bolivia is part of a global movement that is fighting to end sexual violence. Having support from international organizations like Equality Now is absolutely crucial. It is very hard to bring about change as an isolated entity but when people around the world come together we can add more pressure on governments to protect women and girls,” said Brisa De Angulo.
“Equality Now is proud to have been part of the global women’s rights movement for 25 years and counting. Systemic change is driven from within communities and we partner and work with activists from all walks of life. We were thrilled to recognize Gucci’s Susan Chokachi and A Breeze of Hope Foundation’s Brisa de Angulo for their contributions to gender equality and to ending violence violence against women and girls. Equality Now is honored to work with such powerful and compassionate women, said Yasmeen Hassan, Global Executive Director of Equality Now.
Pictured:
Este Haim, Danielle Haim, Alana Haim