Torild Skard's most recent book, Women of Power, has been awarded the Outstanding Academic Title for 2015 by CHOICE, the US Library journal. Ms Skard has led a vibrant political career. She was the first woman to hold the position of President of the Norwegian Upper House in 1973. She is also a former Director of the Status of Women for UNESCO, a former UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, a former Chair of UNICEF’s Executive Board and a former President of the Norwegian Association for Women’s Rights.