Afghan NGO Receives International Gender Equality Honor by Finland

Finland, a global champion of gender equality, recently conferred the International Gender Equality Prize for 2023 to the Afghan Women Skills Development Center, recognizing their unwavering commitment to promoting and safeguarding the rights of women in Afghanistan.

The prestigious award, accompanied by a EUR 300,000 prize, was presented by Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo during a ceremony in Tampere.

Upholding Women’s Rights Amidst Challenges

Since the Taliban assumed power in Afghanistan, the plight of women has been a grave concern globally. The Afghan Women Skills Development Center stands out as an organization undertaking crucial humanitarian efforts to ensure the safety of Afghan women. The Taliban regime has systematically suppressed women’s human rights, depriving girls of secondary education and women of higher education.

Recognizing Humanitarian Excellence: Previous Awardees

The International Gender Equality Prize has a history of acknowledging organizations and individuals making significant contributions to advancing gender equality worldwide. In 2021, the We Will Stop Femicide Platform in Turkey received the award for its groundbreaking work combatting violence against women.

Equality Now’s 2019 Recognition and Angela Merkel’s Impact in 2017

In 2019, Equality Now, a global non-profit organization, was honored for its success in challenging discriminatory laws and practices. Notably, in 2017, then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel directed the prize money towards an organization in Niger working to combat domestic violence.

Finnish Prime Minister’s Commitment to Afghan Women

Finland has been a stalwart advocate for the cause for the past two decades, even in the current challenging circumstances. During the award ceremony, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo reiterated Finland’s enduring support for gender equality and women’s rights in Afghanistan. Orpo emphasized Finland’s commitment, stating, “Finland will not forget Afghan women.”

The Mission of the Afghan Women Skills Development Center

The Afghan Women Skills Development Center plays a pivotal role in providing training, supporting skills development, and empowering Afghan women. Operating across eight provinces, the organization collaborates with the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR to offer protection to women and families facing danger. The partnership facilitates essential services, including medical examinations for children and humanitarian aid distribution.

Finland’s Historic Commitment to Gender Equality

Finland was one of the first countries globally to grant voting and election rights to all women and men in 1906. Moreover, in 1907, Finland made history by electing 19 women to its 200-seat Parliament, marking a significant stride towards gender equality. The success of Finland as a nation is intricately linked with the progress in the status of women and the promotion of gender equality.

In celebrating the achievements of the Afghan Women Skills Development Center, Finland continues to champion the cause of gender equality on the global stage.