December 3, 2009 (New York, NY) - The Women's Media Center is proud to announce that the New York Women’s Agenda (NYWA) will recognize WMC Co-founder Jane Fonda for her outstanding achievements in activism and social change. WMC Co-founder Gloria Steinem – renowned writer, feminist, social reformer, and one of the leading voices of the women’s rights movement – will present Ms. Fonda with the prestigious award, named in honor of NYWA founder, activist Elly Guggenheimer.

“A united voice and a clear focus were at the heart of Eleanor Guggenheimer’s vision for NYWA,” explained NYWA President Karen Karpowich. “Jane Fonda’s work and accomplishments are the embodiment of Eleanor’s ideals.”

Jane Fonda, co-founder of the Women’s Media Center has long been known for activism and advocacy on human rights and the empowerment of women and girls.  She is a member of the Women & Foreign Policy Advisory Committee of the Council on Foreign Relations and sits on the board of V-Day: Until The Violence Stops, a global effort to stop violence against women. An Emmy winner, two-time Oscar winner, and Tony Award nominee, Ms. Fonda has enjoyed tremendous success as a stage and screen actor, with many producing credits as well, including a film, in collaboration with the International Women's Health Coalition, entitled "Generation 2000: Changing Girls' Realities.” In May 2005, Random House published Fonda’s memoirs, My Life So Far, which immediately went to #1 on The New York Times Best Sellers list. 

“We are thrilled Jane is being honored for her work,” said Jehmu Greene, president of the Women’s Media Center. “Through our media and leadership trainings, advocacy, and original content, the WMC is making women visible and powerful in the media. By acknowledging Jane’s work amplifying women’s voices for social change, NYWA is calling attention to the gender disparity that is so prevalent.”

The Elinor Guggenheimer Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded by the New York Women’s Agenda, a coalition of 100,000 women professionals and community activists who collective voices amplify its core mission to support the diversity and interests of New York women through collaboration, advocacy and education. Ms. Fonda will receive her award on Tuesday, December 8, at a breakfast reception at the New York Hilton Hotel and Towers, 1335 Avenue of the Americas, from 7:00-9:30 a.m.

To speak with WMC President Jehmu Greene, please contact Rebekah Spicuglia, (212) 563-0680, rebekah@womensmediacenter.com. For Star Breakfast Tickets, contact (212) 843-1706, nywa@hgnyc.com.