Emine Erdogan honored for her efforts to boost women's social status

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's wife Emine Erdogan yesterday received the Protection of Women's Honor prize given by the Swiss-based Crans Montana Forum, which annually awards people with track records of service to peace, freedom and democracy. In a ceremony held in Brussels, Erdogan got her prize from the hand of UNESCO head Irina Bokova. In a statement, the forum said Erdogan was awarded the prize to honor her "tireless and determined support to protect human dignity, and to improve the social, economic and cultural conditions of women." While in Brussels, Erdogan also attended a forum on protecting women's dignity. In related news, Mrs. Erdogan next Tuesday will address the UN Commission on Women's Status. As in Brussels, Turkey's Chief Negotiator for EU Talks Egemen Bagis will accompany Erdogan in New York as well.