NEW YORK, Oct 23: One of Pakistan’s famous citizens, Mukhtaran Mai, arrived in Chicago on Saturday night ahead of her New York visit to receive Glamour magazine’s “Woman of the Year” award.

Former US President Bill Clinton will introduce her at a star studded gala at Lincoln Center in New York, on Nov 2 where she will receive the award.

Talking to Dawn on telephone from Madison (Wisconsin) where she is staying with Dr Amina Buttar, president of the Asian-American Network Against Abuse of Women (ANAA), Ms Mai said: “I will travel across United States to help raise funds for earthquake victims in Pakistan, besides speaking about women’s issues.”

Ms Mai, who was chosen as “Person of the Week” by ABC news programme last Friday is scheduled to attend several seminars and meetings in Chicago where she will appeal to the American people to help Pakistan in its hour of need.

“My heart goes out particularly to the women and children who have been devastated, rendered homeless and need help to survive the great tragedy”, she said.

Ms Mai who will visit Washington, said her mission was to urge the US Congress to uphold their commitment to women’s rights in Pakistan and pledge an additional $50 million in humanitarian aid specifically earmarked for the women and children affected by the earthquake. “

“This is an opportunity for United States to demonstrate to the entire world that its concern for human rights and social justice is indeed real”, she said.

Dr Amina Buttar told Dawn that at every event to be held to honour Mukhtaran Mai, ANAA would help raise funds for Pakistani earthquake victims. ANAA has already raised over $15,000 which they have sent to Pakistan through various humanitarian agencies.

Several American and Canadian documentray film-makers are expected to follow Ms Mai during her American visit.