Celebrating Womanhood Regional Awards

The first Celebrating Womanhood Regional Awards encapsulating the 8 SAARC countries is being organized in autumn 2008. The awards shall be presented on the same night as the Celebrating Womanhood Navadevi Awards.

Celebrating Womanhood is based on recognizing the strengths of women and celebrating their achievements. The Regional Awards aims to encourage sharing and learning from the experiences, skills, knowledge and wisdom of the women who have pressed on in their quest to create opportunities despite adversities.

Afghanistan is still suffering from the ravages of being war torn. The greatest challenge for the people of this country has been to maintain their cultural identity. Celebrating Womanhood is in search of a woman who has played a crucial role in maintaining the pride and dignity of being an Afghan. She will be presented the Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for Cultural Conservation.

Bangladesh is a country beset with problems caused by natural disasters. Time and again people suffer the effects of drought, floods and famine. Yet women in Bangladesh persistently continue to counter the impacts of these disasters by implementing conservation initiatives. Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for Environmental Conservation will be presented to a woman actively involved in the field of environmental conservation to counter natural disasters.

Bhutan is the land of mystery that beckons tourists in search of Shangrila. Despite its reputation of being inaccessible and isolated, the people live happy, contented lives in an economically empowered society. Bhutanese women are entrepreneurs and in key decision making positions. The Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for Economic Empowerment will be presented to a lady working in the field of entrepreneurship or economic development.

India is a land of diverse cultures, languages, peoples, religion and socio-economic difference. Yet women in India have played a major role in nurturing and instilling a sense of values to contribute to social harmony in the country. Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for Social Harmony will be presented to a lady who has worked to create social harmony.

Maldives: A free press is the single most important tool to maintain good governance and a sustainable democracy. Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for Media is being presented to the woman who has been successful in bringing about social change through media.

Nepal once known for being the country of smiles and peace continues to face the challenges of problems brought about by groups fighting for equal rights and opportunities. The biggest challenge Nepal is facing today is rebuilding the country from a state of chaos to harmony which is only possible through knowledge, education and awareness. Our quest is to choose from the many efforts made along these lines. Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for Education is being presented to a Nepali woman who has worked tirelessly to bring education to the homes and communities of the educationally disadvantaged.

Pakistan located along the Indus River is known as a cradle of civilization. With so many political upheavals in the past and present, Pakistan is committed to establishing a stable government and good governance. We would like to learn and share efforts being made in this sector. Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for Governance is being awarded to a woman who has ensured the equal participation of women in planned development.

Sri Lanka: Despite the ongoing war in Sri Lanka, the country has been successfully functioning in terms of economy and tourism. Many newpeace initiatives to end the war have been implemented and are being carried out. Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for Peace is being awarded to the woman who has been instrumental in promoting peace by preparing for peace by providing support for human dignity, justice and truth.

The recipients shall be chosen on the basis of their contribution to their respective area of work in recent years.