“Help gave them hope”—Nicole Kidman
Remarks by UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman at the gala to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women on 16 November 2016Date:
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I am so delighted to be here! And I am honoured to be a co-host of this wonderful evening. The UN Trust Fund is very dear to my heart.
When I became UN Women’s Goodwill Ambassador 10 years ago, my first mission took me to Kosovo, where I met with women and girls who had survived violence.
That was when I first understood what the work of the UN Trust Fund really means. I saw first-hand the real difference it makes in lives of women and girls: They found shelter for themselves and their children. They received counseling to overcome the horrific trauma of rape during the war that had ravaged the Balkans. They were supported to make a living and stand on their own. They found solidarity and solace amongst each other.
It was a life-changing experience for me and one that has inspired me ever since.
It is why, as UN Women’s Goodwill Ambassador, I see my role as an advocate to end violence against women and girls.
It is one of the most important roles of my life.
The survivors I met in Kosovo experienced the most unspeakable violence, yet through the programme funded by the UN Trust Fund, they were able to overcome their pain and regain the courage and strength to look toward the future.
Help gave them hope.
This is why I am here tonight, to help more women to find hope. I am here because I support the UN Trust Fund and I applaud and celebrate its 20 years of making a difference!
But dear friends, we are here not only to celebrate, not only to open our hearts…But also to open our purses and our wallets.
The work of the UN Trust Fund cannot happen without financial support. There are many, many more who need the UN Trust Fund’s help to find hope.
Women and girls around the world count on us. Tonight, let them know that they can count on you!
Thank you!