Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered a powerful closing speech at the 24th Annual Global Leadership Awards, hosted by Vital Voices Global Partnership. She didn’t hold back when discussing what she described as escalating ‘attacks’ on women’s equality, rights, and their full participation in society, warning that these assaults pose a significant threat to democracies worldwide.
Honoring Changemakers at the Global Leadership Awards
The event, held at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York City on April 23, celebrated women leaders who are making a profound impact. These honorees are tackling critical global challenges, including climate change, economic inequality, digital safety, and advocating for women’s rights. The ceremony featured inspiring speakers like marketing executive Bozoma Saint John, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, actresses Sophia Bush and Michelle Rodriguez, and CNN anchor Abby Phillip.
Huma Abedin, a former top aide to Clinton and an author, highlighted the importance of recognizing these often unsung heroes. “There are [people] who have not heard of many of these honorees, but they’re doing incredible things in their communities,” Abedin noted. “To see what they’re doing and what they’ve successfully done in their communities is inspiring to all of these young women, and we need that now more than ever.”
Trailblazers and Icons Recognized
The 2026 honorees included Dame Donna Langley, who received the Trailblazer Award for her leadership in entertainment. Langley spoke about the persistence needed for change, stating, “Pushing forward when progress is stalled, and discouragement creeps in, is when the work matters most.” Susie Wolff was presented with the Icon Award by Sophia Bush, who emphasized Wolff’s role in paving the way for women in sports and leadership. Wolff underscored the need for investment and opportunity in women’s sports, saying, “When we get the people with power backing us, when we get the investments, we’ve shown what’s possible.”
Further recognition was given to Tracy Chou and Seyi Akiwowo for their crucial work in combating online harm and enhancing digital safety. Activist Shirin Musa and conservationist Farwiza Farhan were also among the distinguished recipients, celebrated for their transformative global efforts.
A Call to Resist Repression
Throughout the evening, the urgency of protecting women’s rights and amplifying women’s leadership was a recurring theme. In her closing remarks, Clinton reflected on Vital Voices’ nearly three-decade mission. She issued a stark warning: “The attacks on women’s voices, women’s rights, women’s opportunity, our full participation in society, have weakened democracies and strengthened the hand of authoritarians.” She emphasized that this is not accidental but a deliberate strategy.
The attacks on women’s voices, women’s rights, women’s opportunity, our full participation in society, have weakened democracies and strengthened the hand of authoritarians. This is not by accident. This is by design. — Hillary Clinton
Clinton concluded by framing the evening’s honorees as integral to the “resistance to that growing repression.” She expressed her admiration for their resilience and determination in refusing to accept the status quo or efforts to reverse progress, finding their actions consistently inspiring.
What are your thoughts on Hillary Clinton’s message about the attacks on women’s voices? Share your perspective in the comments below!
