Religions for Peace Announces Women of Excellence in Multi-Religious Action Award Press Release
Religions for Peace Announces Women of Excellence in Multi-Religious Action Award
23 March 2023, New York: Religions for Peace, the world’s largest and most representative multi-faith organisation, is pleased to announce the inaugural Women of Excellence in Multi-Religious Action Award. Women of faith are the backbone of all faith communities and religious institutions but are rarely recognised for their efforts. Through this award, Religions for Peace aims to highlight and bring attention to the crucial role that women of faith play in catalysing multi-religious action for positive change in their communities and beyond. It is essential to recognise and celebrate the contributions of the diverse women of faith in the Religions for Peace global movement in building a better world for all. This initiative is also critical in promoting the leadership of women of faith, and in challenging harmful gender stereotypes. Women of faith have often been underrepresented in religious institutions and leadership roles, and the Women of Excellence in Multi-Religious Action Award seeks to challenge this disparity.
The Women of Excellence in Multi-Religious Action Award, made possible by funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will be given to those who have contributed to advancing peace and security, human rights and sustainable development, through multireligious collaboration at the local, national, regional and global levels. This award seeks to recognise women of faith and women of faith-led multi-religious initiatives that support and catalyse multi-religious action towards building positive peace. By showcasing the work of women from different regions, religions and faiths, and traditions, this award will emphasise the need for interfaith cooperation and dialogue.
“The Women of Excellence in Multi-Religious Action Award is a testament to the significant roles women of faith play in building bridges between communities, fostering social cohesion, and promoting human rights and dignity, even in the most challenging of circumstances,” says Professor Azza Karam, Secretary General of Religions for Peace.
The winner and the two runners-up will be invited to the Women of Excellence in Multi-Religious Action Award Ceremony that will take place on 20 September 2023, during the high-level meeting that Religions for Peace will hold on the margins of the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA. Religions for Peace hopes that the stories and achievements of these women of faith will empower more women to lead and advance positive change in their own communities, and that this award will pave the way for more women of faith to be recognised for their vital contributions to peacemaking and peacebuilding across the globe.
Religions for Peace recognises the invaluable contributions that women of faith make every day to strengthen bridges of mutual understanding, promote inclusive dialogue, and build a better world for all. It is time for their voices to be heard and for their efforts to be recognised.