The Ginetta Sagan Fund of Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) accepts nominations for its annual award for the human rights of women and children. The purpose of the fund is to recognise and assist women who are working to protect the liberty and lives of women and children in areas where human rights violations are widespread. Awards are made based on nominations received the year prior.

The Ginetta Sagan Fund is named after the late Ginetta Sagan, Honorary Chairperson of the Board of AIUSA. The selection of winners is a reminder of Ginetta Sagan’s own courage in her native Italy during World War II when she was imprisoned for her role in the resistance movement.

The award is given annually in recognition of individual accomplishment, but also in the belief that it will serve as a beacon of hope to women everywhere who are fighting for human rights. It is given to women who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, often in the face of personal danger, to help women and children who are victims of violence. The purpose of each award is to bring increased international scrutiny to a crisis region/issue, for which the recipient works, to enhance the recipient's ability to live and work freely, and to continue, expand, and improve her work. To this end, a US$10,000 grant is given to each award recipient.

Click here to access more information about the award and the nomination process and download a nomination form in PDF format.

Click here to read about previous winners.

Ginetta Sagan Fund pages of the AIUSA website, accessed on September 8 2009.