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This award, the program's sixth in eight years, is the highest recognition in that category presented by the American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT), an organization dedicated to advancing the impact of women in the media. Airing for over two decades, Voices of Our World is dedicated to speaking up for the rights of the underrepresented.
With "Till Fear Do Us Part", Voices of Our World producer Kathy Golden set out to encourage victims of domestic violence to reach out for help. The show features two women, Joanne Rodda and Elizabeth Grant, from New York's Putnam and Westchester counties, respectively, who did just that and saved their own lives. Nearly 5.3 million incidents of domestic violence occur each year in the U.S., resulting in 2 million reported injuries and at least 1,300 deaths annually.
According to Golden, it was Rodda and Grant's courage and determination that ultimately led them to form their own empowerment group, WAM (Women Achieving More) to inspire women in similar circumstances.
"The truly important thing about this honor is that it brings recognition not only to our program, Voices of Our World, but to the work of our parent organization, the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers," said Golden. "And of course by honoring the segment we ran on domestic violence,
AWRT is shining a light on that issue as well. I think this award also points to the fact that like 'Voices' and the work of Maryknoll, the AWRT is likewise all about empowerment!"
Golden accepted the award along with other 2009 national winners at the Gracies Gala on June 3 at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, with both Rodda and Grant in attendance.
To commemorate the award, Voices of Our World will re-aired Till Fear Do Us Part during the week of May 31, 2009. Visit www.voicesofourworld.org to listen online, to find a station near you and to subscribe to the Voices podcast.
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Kathy Golden, Senior Producer, holding her 5th Gracie Award.
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