Zelenska dedicates Forbes Torch of Freedom Award to Ukrainian women

As part of her trip to Abu Dhabi (UAE), the First Lady of Ukraine took part in the Forbes 30/50 international forum. It brought together prominent figures from politics, business, and non-governmental organizations to share information and network for collaborative work and leadership development.

The event takes place annually on the occasion of March 8, the International Day of Struggle for Women's Rights and International Peace. Olena Zelenska said: "It is vital not only on this day but always that we all remember that equality is normal. It is not a privilege. For me, to talk about equality now is to talk about normality. It's just a matter of making it normal for everyone worldwide."

The first lady received the Torch of Freedom award at a special gala evening after the forum. Hillary Rodham Clinton presented it. Olena Zelenska dedicated the prize to all Ukrainian women:

"Women's feat in this confrontation is special because it is multifaceted: women make their contribution everywhere — from serving in the army to carrying out the evacuation, from the rear to the front," the first lady said, addressing Ukrainian women on social media. "And the only thing I wish is that with our victory, those women far away can return home as soon as possible, those women who are at risk can survive, the wounded and traumatized recover and find strength, that separated families can embrace again and not be separated again. You are the torch of our freedom. You are Ukraine. Thank you for everything."

Malala Yousafzai, the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize (Changemaker Award), Billie Jean King, sports icon and fighter for equality (Know Your Value Award), and Gloria Steinem, journalist, and activist (Lifetime Achievement Award), were also honored.

Background. The Forbes 30/50 Forum is the largest global event for women, which brought together representatives of the community of successful young entrepreneurs and leaders (Forbes 30 Under 30 list) and legendary representatives of various fields with invaluable experience (Forbes 50 Over 50 list). The forum takes place on March 7-10 in Abu Dhabi on International Women's Day.