NOW National Conference 2002: Woman of Vision Awards

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2002 Woman of Vision Awards

Eleanor Smeal

Eleanor Smeal is recognized throughout the nation and the world as a women's rights leader. President of the Feminist Majority Foundation and a former president of NOW, Smeal appears frequently as an expert on television and radio and before Congress, and speaks on a broad range of feminist topics. For three decades, she has played a leading role in national and state campaigns to win critical legislation, and in several landmark court cases for women's rights. In 1997, Smeal expanded her activism to a global level, launching the international Campaign to Stop Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan to counter the Taliban's brutal abuse of women. This visionary campaign helped stop the U.S. and the U.N. from officially recognizing the Taliban and continues working to increase aid and ensure the inclusion of women in the Afghan government.

Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink

Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink has represented Hawaii in the U.S. House for 23 years – 1965-1976 and 1990-present. She was the first woman of color to serve in the Congress and throughout her career she has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of minorities, women, and children. A true visionary, Mink was co-author of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits sex discrimination in all educational institutions receiving federal funds. This law, which she cites as one of her greatest accomplishments, has had a dramatic impact in opening up opportunities for girls and women in the professions and, most visibly, in athletics. During a lifetime of service, Mink has served as Assistant Secretary of State and as president of Americans for Democratic Action.