Leading Feminist Group Awards Bravery in Resistance at 17th Annual Global Women’s Rights Awards & Gala 

Los Angeles, CA – Democracy Forward President and CEO Skye Perryman was honored Tuesday evening by one of the nation’s oldest and largest feminist groups. The Feminist Majority Foundation, the longtime publisher of Ms. Magazine, recognized Perryman as the “Resister in Law” at the group’s 17th annual Global Women’s Rights Awards and Gala at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Perryman was recognized for “building a visionary litigation team to confront anti-democratic extremism head-on.” 

“This year’s event comes at a critical time, as women’s rights face growing challenges nationwide and globally. We celebrate the myriad ways feminists – and feminist storytelling and journalism – are playing an essential role in resisting authoritarianism and envisioning a more just and equal future,” said Katherine Spillar, Executive Director of the Feminist Majority Foundation, who moderated a panel discussion with Perryman and other honorees. Spillar highlighted Perryman’s leadership and courage in combating anti-democratic extremism. She noted that the team Perryman has built boasts a large number of exceptional women lawyers and leaders, a unique attribute in a male-dominated profession, and acknowledged Perryman’s commitment to women and girls, including in creating opportunities in the legal profession. 

Irasema Coronado, PhD, a noted scholar and Feminist Majority Foundation Board Member who presented the award to Perryman, noted Perryman’s work to demand a government that works for all people and to challenge the government when it fails the American people. She highlighted Democracy Forward’s commitment to challenging harmful policies that have a disproportionate impact on women and girls, such as successfully litigating to stop unlawful cuts to programs and resources for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, securing court orders to force the payment of essential nutrition (SNAP) benefits, challenging restrictions on reproductive rights and evidence-based medicine, and more.  

“This moment requires resilience and resistance. We must never ever give up on building a nation that can hold all of us – where all of us can thrive – and that perseverance was on display last night. Feminist Majority Foundation has led for decades, understanding the relationship between the rights of women and girls and the health of our democracy, and it was inspiring to be among both those whose shoulders we stand on as well as a new generation of advocates  carrying the work forward in this critical moment” said Perryman. “It is an incredible honor for me and for our team at Democracy Forward to receive this recognition. Our greatest wish is that our work on behalf of and commitment to the American people incubates hope and reminds people to never give up.” 

Founded in 2008, the annual Global Women’s Rights Awards recognize individuals whose work has advanced equality, often at great risk of their lives. Past honorees include women Nobel Peace Laureates, feminist leaders from Afghanistan, Mexico, Nigeria, and Kenya, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Dolores Huerta, and Gloria Steinem.

Others honored last evening included “Resisters in Culture,” Tony Award nominee Bess Wohl and Obie and Lilly Award-winning director Whitney White for their work on the Broadway play LIBERATION, and Lisa Cronin Wohl, one of the first Ms. Magazine writers in the 1970s, Bess’s mother, and the inspiration for the play, and “Resisters in the Media,” former Washington Post columnist Jen Rubin and former Ambassador Norm Eisen (ret.) and for work on their substack, The Contrarian.”

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Democracy Forward Foundation is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org.