Polish women nominated to the UN award

The United Nations Women/USA Rise and Raise Others Award recognises the achievements of women who support and inspire women and girls around the world.

The prize, which is an expression of recognition and gratitude, is awarded to outstanding women for their commitment and enthusiasm in supporting others to achieve the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which were adopted at a summit in New York, on 25–27 September 2015, by leaders of UN member states. By signing the document, Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, they made an ambitious commitment to take action to reduce poverty in all its forms, to ensure access to education, to food and to clean water, to take action for equal opportunities, to promote human rights, peace and stability in the world, to protect the environment, to mitigate climate change, and to make sustainable energy sources accessible. On behalf of Poland, the declaration was signed by President Andrzej Duda.

The document contains 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 associated actions to be achieved by all parties: national governments, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, the scientific and business sectors as well as citizens. They are centred around 5 areas, the so-called 5xP: people, planet, prosperity, peace, partnership.

This year, the Rise and Raise Other Award recognises contributions in the following categories:

– No Poverty

– Good Health and Wellbeing

– Quality Education

– Gender equality

– Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

– Reduced Inequalities

– Climate Action

– Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Polish candidates for the award

 In the category No Poverty:

1.    Abisoye AJAYI-AKINFOLARIN (Nigeria)

2.    Dominika KULCZYK – for fighting discrimination against women

3.    Rajshree PATHY (India)

4.    Melati WIJSEN (Bali)

In the Good Health and Wellbeing category

1.    Sarahi ESPINOZA SALAMANCA (USA)

2.    Regina P MARKUS (Brazil)

3.    Iga ŚWIĄTEK – the WTA world ranking leader is involved in social initiatives with children and mental health in Poland.

4.    Sarah VAN VOOREN (Nepal)

In the Quality Education category

1.    Carmela BORST (Brazil)

2.    Mary CONWAY DATO-ON (USA)

3.    Gabriella DI LACCIO (UK)

4.    Dr Agata KOŁODZIEJCZYK – biologist, astrobiologist, innovator, and co-founder of the Analog Astronaut Training Centre. Youngest Ambassador of the Polish Congress Ambassadors Programme.

In the Climate Action category

1.    Paula FANDEROWSKA – enthusiast for social impact on the tourism industry in Poland

2.    Nancy GILLIS (USA)

3.    Izabella KOZIELL (Nepal)

4.    Monika LESSL (Germany)

‘It is an incredible honour to be among the 32 amazing women from around the world nominated by United Nations Women for the Rise and Raise Others Award, next to three exceptional Polish women: Iga Świątek, Dominika Kulczyk and Agata Kołodziejczyk. Women who are well-known, respected, who draw recognition and admiration. Each of us is nominated in a different category, but above all each of us represents a different story, as well as professional and personal experiences,’ says Paula Fanderowska, vice-president of Kraków 5020 and president of SKKP. ‘The organisers themselves write of the nominees that “they share passion, talent and skills”. They are restless, changing the status quo, crossing borders, building social bonds, making friends, supporting each other and building communities.’

Paula Fanderowska adds: ‘This appointment creates a sense of obligation in me to give other women confidence in their own abilities. As pompous as it may sound, this is what I feel: that each of us sometimes doubts, often underestimates herself, and even more often allows others to belittle her. And yet we can give strength to each other. Finally, there is a commitment in my area of professional activity to continue on a sustainable path of development. Sustainability in tourism is a process that concerns us all and will not happen without our involvement. It is a common “must”.’

Another Polish accent in the competition

In addition to the four Polish nominees, there is yet another Polish accent in the competition. Among the representatives of the international jury is Aneta Książek, Main Conference Specialist at the Poland Convention Bureau PTO.

‘Representing Poland as part of the 40-member international jury of the #UNWomen Rise and Raise Others Awards is a great honour for me and also an acknowledgement of our local efforts to raise awareness about ecology and sustainability. Tourist destinations that demonstrate care in these areas are growing in popularity. Hotels, congress centres, and airlines around the world are taking measures to reduce CO2 emissions, produce less waste and obtain independent certification. Sustainability is no longer just a fashionable slogan, which makes it all the more welcome that more and more people – men and women – are committed to protecting our heritage, our present and our future. It is particularly gratifying to nominate our compatriots who, through their activities in various fields – from the court to the halls of legislatures to the laboratory and the foundation – support and implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals and are a great example for others. Last but not least, I would also like to mention that such a large and exceptional representation of Polish women in the competition is an excellent promotion of our country on the international market and a continuation of the activities of many women who have been developing their passions and dreams for centuries, despite obstacles,’ said Aneta Książek.

The award went to Dominka Kulczyk. Congratulations to all the nominated.