On June 9, 2004, here in Hamburg, President Mikhail S. Gorbachev will present the first annual WOMEN’S WORLD AWARDS in 12 different categories to extraordinary women who have changed our world. They are dynamic, exceptional individuals whose unique achievements have contributed to a better, more peaceful and humane society. The categories include the World Tolerance Award, World Arts Award, World Business Award, World Charity Award, World Social Award, World Fashion Award, World Actress Award, and World Style Award, among others. It is the first global prize for women.

The WOMEN’S WORLD AWARDS are part of the new global initiative “WOMEN’S WORLD FORUM” whose goal is to support the rights of women throughout the world. Women and children are still the innocent victims of armed conflicts. In many countries throughout the world women are still considered “second class citizens” and in some countries – even in the 21st century – they have no rights at all.

It has been a special wish of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Mikhail Gorbachev, the President of the annual WORLD AWARDS since the first were presented to men in 2000, to create such an award for deserving women.

The first WORLD AWARDS honoring men were held in Vienna on MEN’S WORLD DAY, November 3, 2000 at the Imperial Hofburg Palace. Among the first award winners were Simon Wiesenthal and José Carreras. It was not conceived as an event to celebrate men but rather a day of introspection, self-criticism as well as a day of inspiration and strength in order to change the world for the better.

A limited number of special ticket offers are available for the gala event if you would like to attend: Platinum VIP: The strictly limited Platinum VIP ticket includes first-class seats (best category) at the awards ceremony, a cocktail reception and attendance at the gala dinner with President Gorbachev after the awards ceremony; Gold VIP: A special VIP ticket including excellent seats at the awards ceremony and a cocktail reception in the VIP lounge after the awards ceremony; and General Tickets: Category A (floor seating with good stage view) or Category B (upper level seating with stage view).

For more information, please see the Women's World Awards website: www.womensworldawards.com

Information taken from the Women's World Awards website