Meeting of minds

Last evening I went to the Global Fund for Women's 20th anniversary gala at Cipriani. It truly was quite something. Not just the decor, attention to detail, fabulous meal and program, but the energy in the room.

Jamie Dimon of JP Morgan and Africa's first female president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Libera were being honored. The remarkable women from the head of the Global Fund Kavita Ramdas to the Abigail Disney to former Irish President Mary Robinson were truly inspiring in their speeches and efforts.

I went with my friend Suphala who performed (fabulously) at the dinner. Afterwards she and I spoke about non-profit events, galas, moneys spent and in this sea of charities, how does one select certain causes? Is there a satiation point?

What was actually refreshing about the event was the lack of "society" which is quite typical of many New York-based galas.

Instead, at the dinner last night, messages were clear, personal agendas were contained, and the looming issue of women's rights advocacy in repressive countries was discussed at length.

In the same way, peoples' rights have been horribly violated in Myanmar. And now even foreign aid workers, agencies and news services are being accused of mis-representing the actual situation in Myanmar - stating that they are exaggerating. You can get the latest update here