The World Awards Association, presided by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Mikhail Gorbachev, today announced the ?rst Women’s World Awards winner for 2008, Ingrid Betancourt. Betancourt, 46, the former Columbian presidential candidate, kidnapped in 2002 by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC) and held captive in the Columbian jungle for six-and-a-half years, will receive the Woman of the Year Award 2008.
The award winner, who was chosen directly by the World Awards Committee, will receive the honour for her commitment to democratic values, freedom and tolerance. After her rescue in July 2008, Betancourt has continued to dedicate her life to democracy, freedom and peace, as well as helping the hundreds of people still being held hostage by the FARC.
World Awards founder Georg Kindel, who informed Ms Betancourt about the decision by the committee in Firenze, Italy, says, ‘For six long years Ingrid Betancourt had to suffer only because she had engaged herself for a more democratic government in her country. Her mission is to improve the life of people suffering from oppression, exploitation and violence. This unwavering commitment has made her a role model for millions.’
The Woman of the Year Award 2008 will be presented at the fourth Women’s World Awards’ Gala on October 26. Further details regarding the event as well the location, which will be held at a European city this year, will be announced by Mikhail Gorbachev at an international press conference shortly.
Past award winners include the late Benazir Bhutto, Queen Noor of Jordan, Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg, Bianca Jagger, Donatella Versace, Catherine Deneuve and Claudia Schiffer.
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