NEW YORK CITY (Reuters) - David Bowie's widow, Iman, became emotional while accepting an honour at the Save the Children gala in New York on Tuesday (Oct 26).

The model received the Voice Award at the organisation's 4th annual Illumination Gala.

"My husband, David, was also a staunch supporter of human rights and devoted an innumerable amount of time and resources, which he chose to do anonymously," said Iman, speaking of her rock star husband who died in January at the age of 69 from cancer.

"I share this award with him, knowing that the fire in him lit the fire in me, and vice versa. Good partnerships have a habit of doing that. So why this work is never done, I'm grateful and humble by this recognition," she added.

On the red carpet, the Somali refugee spoke about the importance of non-governmental agencies.

"When you are a refugee and you are in other places and when you're in a war torn country, you really are stripped away of your own dignity. So with the Save the Children, that's what you get. You get your own dignity back."

Other attendees included actress Jennifer Garner, singer Jennifer Nettles and Dakota Fanning who is an artist ambassador for the organisation.

The annual gala raises money "to give more children a stronger start in life by helping end preventable maternal, newborn and child deaths and by supporting early childhood education".