WASHINGTON, March 3 - Vital Voices Global Partnership has received the highest rating (4 stars) given by Charity Navigator, the nation's largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities.

Vital Voices, which began in 1997 as a federal initiative to advance the progress of women economically, politically and in areas that safeguard their human rights now marks ten years as a global non-governmental organization (NGO) continuing to advance women as leaders in the developing world.

Vital Voices has partnered with government, major corporations, foundations and leading philanthropists to launch initiatives aimed at enabling women leaders in developing countries to step up and advance their economies by creating jobs and living wage incomes thereby alleviating poverty and providing for the education of the next generation. In addition, programs enable women leaders to resolve internal conflict, lead government reform, and protect human rights by decreasing the incidence of human trafficking and domestic violence.

"The success of Vital Voices has been built on a foundation of strong public-private partnerships," says Alyse Nelson Bloom, co-founder and president. "In a slowed economy, the philanthropic marketplace is tighter and funders must select charities that are efficiently run and provide greater impact. We are proud to have earned the Charity Navigator 4-star rating and welcome the comfort it provides our funders that their contributions are well-placed," she added.

Vital Voices is also known for its annual Kennedy Center awards that recognize women leaders throughout the world for their extraordinary achievements. This year's program will be held on March 19 in the Eisenhower Theatre.

About Charity Navigator:

Charity Navigator is the largest charity evaluator in America and its website attracts more visitors than all other charity rating groups combined. The organization guides intelligent giving by evaluating the financial health of over 5,300 charities. Charity Navigator is a 501 (c)(3) organization that accepts no advertising or donations from the organizations it evaluates, ensuring unbiased evaluations. Charity Navigator, can be reached directly by telephone at (201) 818-1288, or by mail at 1200 MacArthur Blvd, 2nd Floor, Mahwah, N.J., 07430.

Contact Mary Daley Yerrick for more information»