Rita E. HauserThroughout her career, Rita E. Hauser, President of the Hauser Foundation, has worked to assure universal respect for human rights. Her dedication to the health and dignity of all women made these awards possible.

Americans for UNFPA is proud to name its 2006 International Awards for the Health and Dignity of Women for Rita Hauser. Like the women receiving these awards, Dr. Hauser used her success to create opportunities for other women. As a philanthropist, she grounded her life’s work in the pursuit of peace and has worked steadily to ensure that more women participate in their communities and the larger society.

One of the early women students at Harvard Law School, Dr. Hauser built an international law practice at a time when women had barely begun to assert themselves in the field. Dr. Hauser served in the United States Department of Justice and as the U.S. Representative to the U.N. Commission on Human Rights. She is Chair of the International Peace Academy, the leading research institute for the U.N. community, and has contributed to various aspects of international conflict resolution and peacekeeping. She and her husband established the Hauser Global Law School at NYU, a leading center for international legal training.

Americans for UNFPA shares Dr. Hauser’s commitment to recognize those who have devoted their lives to demanding health care, education and respect for women. Dr. Hauser has helped to connect our organization with women whose examples inspire and define our work.