R&B singer Rihanna was praised for her "courage and honesty" as she was named Glamour magazine's Woman of the Year in New York on Monday night (09Nov09).
The Umbrella hitmaker was handed the honor at the star-studded ceremony following a tough year which saw her beaten at the hands of her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown in February (09). Rihanna recently spoke out about her experience, insisting young women should be better protected from the threat of domestic violence.
The singer's efforts to help others were recognized at the Glamour magazine event at Carnegie Hall, with supermodel Iman paying tribute to Rihanna as she handed her the prestigious award.
Iman told the crowd, "This year, we saw a different face of Rihanna. She's an indelible image of worldly pain and now, more than ever, I am more than impressed with her honesty and courage... She has taken her own scars and used them to create a new story of strength and awareness."
Rihanna dedicated the award to the strong female role models in her family, telling the audience: "I love being a part of a night where we're celebrating women and such strong women.
"I really look up to my gran-gran and my mom. They are my two women of the year. I love you very much, granny. I love you very much, mom. They've shown me what strong women can accomplish and achieve. Without their unconditional love and guidance, I wouldn't be here and I hope I can be an example to young girls and women today."
The night also saw Sir Paul McCartney's daughter, Stella, honored for her contribution to fashion - and the designer was shocked to see three Beatles' wives take to the stage to present her award. John Lennon's wife Yoko Ono, Olivia Harrison, widow of George, and Ringo Starr's wife, Barbara Starkey, all joined forces to honor the star.
Comic Amy Poehler, poet Maya Angelou, and tennis ace Serena Williams were also among the night's honorees.