Kathleen Mulligan (Department of Theatre Arts) has been named a recipient of The International Alliance of Women (TIAW) World of Difference Award for her project "Wheels for Women", which benefits the residents of the Sakhi Shelter for victims of domestic violence in Kerala, India.
"Each year, through the TIAW World of Difference 100 Awards, The International Alliance for Women recognizes up to 100 extraordinary women – and men - from around the world who have contributed to the economic empowerment of women. This impressive group includes recipients from six continents who have supported women’s economic empowerment across a wide range of circumstances, from small communities to large cities, from rural areas the developing world to the business capitals of the developed world. What they have in common is their outstanding commitment to better the world through the economic empowerment of women." (TIAW Website)
While on a Fulbright-Nehru grant to Kerala in 2010, Kathleen taught her workshop "Finding Your Voice" to residents of the Sakhi shelter. As a result of that experience, Kathleen and her husband David created "Wheels for Women", producing annual benefit student cabarets at Ithaca College to purchase auto rickshaws for the shelter and provide driver training and licensing to its residents. To date, "Wheels for Women" has funded job training for seven residents, providing them with the skills to move towards financial independence and away from their abusers. The fourth annual "Wheels for Women" Cabaret will be held in late January 2014 in the Dillingham Center.
Kathleen will be presented with the award during TIAW's Global Forum in Washington D.C. in March 2014.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20130827111824350