EWL awarded European Citizens Prize
(Brussels 19 September) The Belgian European Parliament Liaison office was the venue for the awarding of the European Citizens Prize to the European Women’s Lobby for our work in promoting a gender equal Europe.
Launched by the Parliament in 2008 to recognise exceptional achievements by Europeans, this year the EWL is one of year 43 organisations selected for the prize in honour of their good work contributing to and promoting better mutual understanding and closer integration between citizens or facilitating cross-border or transnational cooperation within the EU.
The ceremony was attended by members of the EWL as well as MEPs. Speaking yesterday, EWL Secretary General Cecile Greboval said, "I am delighted to accept the award on behalf of the EWL and in recognition of the work that EWL members do for advancing women’s rights and gender equality. The EWL plays a vital part in civil society dialogue and this award comes at a crucial time for the organisation. Continued resourcing and support for women’s NGOs is crucial in this regards, in particular in the current context of challenges for women’s rights”.
MEP Paranova nominated us for this prize and a jury composed of the following members selected us as worthy recipients of the award. Annie Podimata (EPP-GR) MEP was a member of the jury along with Vice-Presidents, Alexander Alvaro (ALDE, DE), Isabelle Durant (Greens, BE), Otmar Karas (EPP, AT) and László Surján (EPP, HU), previous Presidents of the Parliament Pöttering (EPP, DE) and Enrique Barón Crespo (S&D, ES), as well as Annemarie Jorritsma, Co-president of the Committee of the Regions and Peter Matjaši, President of the European Youth Forum.
As this award only makes sense with the network and work of committed organisations and activists that the EWL is proud to represent, we’d like to extend our thanks to you all for your continued support.
