Equality Now to Honor Gisèle Pelicot, Caroline Darian and Virginia Roberts Giuffre at Annual Make Equality Reality Gala

Equality Now's 15th annual gala, themed Choose Courage, takes place October 21 at Cipriani 25 Broadway, NY, with a tribute to Board Chair Emerita Gloria Steinem

NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, October 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- WHEN AND WHERE: Wednesday, October 21, 6pm - 10pm, at Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York City.
Red carpet opens at 6pm.

HONOREES: Equality Now to posthumously present the Courage Award to Virginia Roberts Giuffre, and the Trailblazer Award to Gisèle Pelicot and her daughter Caroline Darian.

PROGRAM: This year’s gala theme is Choose Courage, celebrating those who use their voices, platforms and influence to stand together and to stand up for equality, dignity and justice.

GUESTS: Host Joyelle Nicole Johnson, music artist Ray Angry, Sarah Jones, Jamia Wilson, CEO Mona Sinha, contributors including Margaret Atwood and more to be announced.

Leading worldwide women’s rights organization Equality Now has announced the honorees for its upcoming 15th annual “Make Equality Reality Gala” happening on October 21, 2026 at Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York City.

The gala’s theme is Choose Courage, celebrating those who use their voices, platforms and influence to stand together and to stand up for equality, dignity and justice for women and girls. Equality Now is proud and privileged to posthumously present the Courage Award to Virginia Roberts Giuffre, and the Trailblazer Award to Gisèle Pelicot and Caroline Darian.

Accepting on Virginia’s behalf will be her brother and sister-in-law Sky and Amanda Roberts, who carry her work forward through her charity for survivors of sex trafficking, abuse, or domestic violence Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR).

The Equality Now Trailblazer Award honors individuals whose actions help transform the systems, institutions and culture that shape the lives of women and girls. Gisèle and Caroline’s continued advocacy has brought greater attention to the global conversation around drug-facilitated sexual assault and consent, including Caroline's newly launched advocacy campaign through M’endorspas, encouraging those who suspect they’ve been drugged and sexually assaulted to come forward.

In addition to these special honors, the gala will feature a poignant tribute recognizing the extraordinary legacy of Gloria Steinem, Equality Now’s beloved Board Chair Emerita.

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ABOUT EQUALITY NOW
Equality Now is a worldwide human rights organization dedicated to securing the legal and systemic change needed to end discrimination against all women and girls. Since its inception in 1992, it has played a role in reforming over 140 discriminatory laws globally, positively impacting the lives of hundreds of millions of women and girls, their communities and nations, both now and for generations to come. Working with partners at national, regional and global levels, Equality Now draws on deep legal expertise and a diverse range of social, political and cultural perspectives to continue to lead the way in steering, shaping and driving the change needed to achieve enduring gender equality, to the benefit of all.

ABOUT S. MONA SINHA, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, EQUALITY NOW
S. Mona Sinha is the Chief Executive Officer of Equality Now and a globally recognized advocate for gender equality, philanthropy and social change. In September 2026, she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, becoming the second South Asian woman to receive the honor. The recognition reflects a lifetime of leadership advancing women’s rights and mobilising significant resources for gender equality. Her other honors include the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Smith College Medal, and recognition from Forbes and Apolitical for her leadership and impact.

For more information on the “Make Equality Reality Gala 2026” and to purchase tickets, please visit www.equalitynow.org/gala.

Monica Sheldon
TRAVERSE32
monica.m.sheldon@gmail.com
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