Variety’s annual Power of Women: New York event has announced its 2018 honorees. The five women, whose humanitarian efforts will be celebrated at a luncheon on April 13, are Tina Fey, Emily Blunt, Alicia Keys, “Handmaid’s Tale” author Margaret Atwood, and #MeToo creator Tarana Burke.
Fey is being recognized for her work with children’s literacy program Reading is Fundamental, and Blunt for Malala Fund, which advocates for secondary education for girls in developing countries. Keys works with Keep a Child Alive, an organization that brings comprehensive HIV treatment to people in Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and India.
Atwood’s cause is Canadian Women’s Foundation, which addresses gender-based violence, women’s economic development, girls’ empowerment, and inclusive leadership.
Burke is being honored for Me Too, the anti-sexual harassment movement she founded in 2006. With the #MeToo hashtag, the grassroots effort became part of the everyday conversation after the Harvey Weinstein revelations exposed the insidiousness of sexual abuse in and out of Hollywood.
Variety’s Power of Women: New York luncheon is associated with its yearly New York Women’s Impact Report, “which profiles the most impactful women working in entertainment and media this year.” The 2018 honorees will be featured on the cover of Variety’s New York Women’s Issue on April 10 in Los Angeles and April 11 in New York.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who has fought sexual assault on college campuses and in the military and pressed for equal pay during her tenure, will provide the luncheon’s opening remarks.
“At this extraordinary moment in time, when women are speaking up and finally being heard on significant issues, we are honored to celebrate these amazing individuals for their professional and charitable contributions to the culture,” commented Claudia Eller, Variety’s Co-Editor- In-Chief.“Through their work, these women are making an impact that will inspire future generations.”
Last year’s honorees included Jessica Chastain, Blake Lively, and Audra McDonald.
