Celebrating Courage: The 2023 Ginetta Sagan Award Recipients
Amnesty International USA is honoring two remarkable women this year with the prestigious Ginetta Sagan Award, a recognition that celebrates the brave endeavors of individuals dedicated to protecting the rights of women and children. The recipients for this year are Pashtana Durrani from Afghanistan and the USA, and Jazmín Romero Epiayú from Epiayú, Colombia. Their inspiring stories highlight not only their personal journeys but also the broader issues of human rights that they staunchly defend.
Pashtana Durrani: A Beacon of Hope in Afghanistan
Pashtana Durrani is the founder of LEARN Afghan, which stands out as Afghanistan’s first digital school network. In a challenging landscape marked by the restrictions imposed by Taliban rule, Durrani’s initiative now operates underground, ensuring safe learning environments for girls stripped of their educational rights. With a Master’s degree in Education Policy Analysis from Harvard University, her academic credentials bolster her mission.
Her remarkable contributions have not gone unnoticed. Durrani is an International Scholar-in-Residence at the Wellesley Centers for Women and the author of Last to Eat, Last to Learn, a memoir that narrates her passionate commitment to education in Afghanistan. Recognized globally, she has received accolades such as the Global Education Champion from the Malala Fund and the UN Young Activists Award.
Durrani’s profound understanding of Afghanistan’s intricate social and political landscape is reflected in LEARN’s strategic planning and operational implementations. Her leadership not only illuminates the path for Afghan girls seeking education but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
Jazmín Romero Epiayú: Weaving Tradition and Activism
On the other side of the globe, Jazmín Romero Epiayú serves as the legal representative for the Wayuu Girls and Women’s Feminist Movement Foundation (MFNMW). Her work is a unique blend of traditional wisdom and contemporary activism, aimed at confronting the myriad threats facing the Wayuu people, particularly women and girls.
Romero Epiayú has dedicated her efforts to defending the rights of Wayuu women against gender-based violence while also advocating for the defense of ancestral territories. Her leadership stands out as particularly courageous, as it involves resisting destructive coal mining practices and addressing new extractive industries disguised as energy transition initiatives that threaten both community and environment.
In her role, she skillfully combines her heritage and the wisdom of her ancestors with modern strategies for territorial defense. By courageously confronting threats and defamation, Romero Epiayú claims her rightful place as a guardian of territory, women’s rights, and life itself.
The Ginetta Sagan Award: Recognizing Extraordinary Resilience
The Ginetta Sagan Award is not just a title; it embodies a legacy of courage and activism. Named in honor of Ginetta Sagan, a WWII resistance fighter who became a vocal advocate for Prisoners of Conscience, this award includes a grant of $20,000. The recognition emphasizes outstanding achievements often accomplished at great personal risk and aims to elevate international awareness regarding pressing issues that endanger women’s rights and broader human rights.
Tarah Demant, National Director of Programs with Amnesty International USA, expressed pride in recognizing Durrani and Romero Epiayú, stating, “With this award, we celebrate and honor the recipients, both of whom are powerful women working to defend the human rights of women.” Their commitments resonate deeply with the core values of human rights advocacy and reflect the enduring struggle for justice and equality worldwide.
A Call to Action
The stories of Pashtana Durrani and Jazmín Romero Epiayú serve as an inspiration for individuals and communities committed to advancing human rights. From the digital classrooms of Afghanistan to the traditional lands of the Wayuu people, these women illustrate the transformative power of education, activism, and resilience. As we celebrate their achievements, it becomes essential to amplify their voices and support their ongoing work in fostering a world where the rights of women and children are universally respected and protected.