NEW YORK, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Space for Humanity, the global nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to space and sharing the transformative power of the Overview Effect, proudly recognizes Citizen Astronaut Ambassador Amanda Nguyen for her participation in yesterday’s “Women Breaking Barriers” event, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
Convening leaders across science, entertainment, and policy, the event focused on combating gender-based violence and advancing gender equality through coordinated global action. Organized in partnership with the Spotlight Initiative, the Permanent Missions of Vietnam, Uruguay, and Sweden to the United Nations, and RISE — the nonprofit Nguyen founded to protect the civil rights of sexual assault survivors — the program brought together prominent voices including UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed and TIME CEO Jessica Sibley to discuss solutions that expand opportunity and dismantle systemic barriers facing women and girls worldwide. The effort is part of broader United Nations initiatives aimed at strengthening legal protections and increasing representation of women across all sectors, including policy, peacekeeping, and scientific innovation.
Nguyen, a civil rights advocate and astronaut, addressed the intersection of representation, leadership, and access, themes that resonate strongly with Space for Humanity’s mission. Her participation reflects the growing role that space leaders are playing in advancing positive social change. As a survivor advocate, Nguyen has helped pass landmark legislation protecting the rights of survivors of sexual violence and has worked globally to expand access to justice.
“Gender-based violence continues to be a barrier for women, across the world, in every field,” said Nguyen. “In the STEM fields, a 2018 National Academies of Science report found that over half of women have experienced sexual harassment. As a survivor, I’m grateful to have beaten the odds and now I hope to open the door for other women by community building and uplifting their voices through events like this.”
“Space for Humanity’s mission is fundamentally about using space to change perspectives and build towards a hopeful future. This event, Amanda Nguyen’s work, and the impact it drives is a testament to her passion and dedication. Space for Humanity is so proud to be a part of Amanda’s journey and today’s gathering. This is a perfect way to cap off Women’s History Month, reminding the world that barriers are made to be broken and that when strong voices rise up, they lift countless others with them,” said Space for Humanity Executive Director, Antonio Peronace.
Space for Humanity knows that when individuals see Earth from space, they often return with a new sense of perspective. Many experience the Overview Effect, a profound cognitive shift characterized by a deeper appreciation of our planet’s fragility and humanity’s interconnectedness. Individuals who experience this shift frequently become powerful advocates for greater cooperation and shared responsibility toward our planet and all those who call it home. By supporting diverse leaders committed to addressing global challenges, Space for Humanity seeks to help ensure the benefits of space exploration, including the positive changes it inspires in people, extend to all humanity.
Events like “Women Breaking Barriers” underscore the importance of inclusive leadership in shaping a more equitable future, both on Earth and beyond.
About Space for Humanity
Space for Humanity is a global nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to space and leveraging the transformative power of the Overview Effect for the benefit of all humanity. Through its Citizen Astronaut Program and related initiatives, the organization seeks to inspire new generations of leaders to protect Earth and work together across borders.
Learn more at www.spaceforhumanity.org
Media Contact: Brandon Fibbs, brandon@spaceforhumanity.org
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SOURCE Space for Humanity
