United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM)’s Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman raised more than US$175,000 today for programmes to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in China. Attended by more than 200 guests, the charity fundraiser took place during her first visit to Hong Kong, and was organized in cooperation with the luxury watch manufacturer OMEGA. The event also featured a private concert by Nicole Kidman’s husband, Grammy Award–winning singer Keith Urban.

“I feel passionately about support for UNIFEM because the work to empower women and advance their human rights is so important,� said Nicole Kidman. “Together with OMEGA we are in Hong Kong to raise awareness and also vital funding for UNIFEM’s projects in China.�

“This Hong Kong benefit for UNIFEM highlights what we can do together to build support for effective programmes that help women live free from violence and realize their rights,� said Joan Libby-Hawk, Public Affairs Chief, UNIFEM. “Together we can show what an impact a global community can make.�

The proceeds from the fundraiser will strengthen UNIFEM’s work in China, which has a strong focus on ending violence against women. The funds will support shelter and legal protection for survivors of violence and address the challenges faced by HIV-positive women and their intersections with violence against women. They will also advance programmes that focus on the economic empowerment of migrant and domestic workers through training and education and women’s political participation at the local level.

“Nicole and Keith are two of the world’s great entertainers, but more than that, they are true humanitarians,� said Stephen Urquhart, President of OMEGA. “We are proud to count them among our friends and are delighted that we can make a meaningful contribution to an organization as worthy as UNIFEM.�

During her visit, Nicole Kidman opened a new OMEGA Boutique in Hong Kong. She has worked with the luxury watch manufacturer since 2005. Through the partnership with Nicole Kidman, OMEGA has also supported UNIFEM’s programmes in the past. Last year, for example, at the launch of the Say NO – UNiTE online platform, which counts and showcases actions on ending violence against women worldwide, and for which Nicole Kidman is a spokesperson, the company announced a challenge grant of US$50,000 for the first 50,000 actions. The money will go to UNIFEM programmes on the ground.