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14 September 2023 CEO of FEMNET receives the commitment award of the BMZ

On 13 September 2023, the Ministry of Development (BMZ) awards the Engagement Award for outstanding personal commitment in development cooperation for the fifth time. With the engagement award in the categories of young and long-standing commitment, the BMZ honours personalities who are particularly involved in the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. At a ceremony at the Ministry in Berlin, Development Minister Svenja Schulze honours five award winners, including FEMNET CEO Dr. Gisela Burckhardt.

Svenja Schulze: "Today's celebration is special to me because, in the midst of global crises, it draws attention to the good developments that are otherwise often overlooked. We honor people who are tirelessly and creatively committed to a just world. People who are not distracted by resistance and challenges. This commitment is more important than ever. The prize-winners are encouraging and show how much social forces can move for sustainable development worldwide.”

The award is intended to make civic engagement in development cooperation visible and to encourage participation in society. Many projects of this year's award winners also show how feminist development policy has an impact.

These are this year's winners:

Isabelle Roske (Berlin), BMZ Engagement Award for Young Engagement

Isabelle Roske brings global perspectives to the classroom as a cultural mediator and education officer: In its global learning events for ‘Education meets Development’ and the ‘CHAT of the Worlds’, it creates intercultural exchanges. It brings together young people worldwide, especially from Europe and Asia, and is thus committed to intercultural exchange and peaceful global coexistence.

Dr. Gisela Burckhardt (Bonn), BMZ Engagement Award for many years of commitment

Through her commitment, Dr. Gisela Burckhardt shapes civil society work in the Textile Alliance. With FEMNET e.V., it drives the most pressing issues in the textile supply chain and advocates for the economic, social and cultural rights of women in the global apparel industry.

Heide Schütz (Bonn), BMZ Engagement Award for many years of commitment

As a peace educator, Heide Schütz is committed to peace education and gender equality, in line with the 2030 Agenda. It gives civil society a voice in its commitment to peace. As honorary chairman, Heide Schütz continues to support the association Frauennetzwerk für Frieden e.V. (Women's Network for Peace).

Ahmedin Idris (Witten), BMZ Engagement Award for many years of commitment

As a doctor, Ahmedin Idris is committed to providing medical care to the most vulnerable and vulnerable in Ethiopia. Thanks to the combined development projects of treatment and education, Ethiopia-Witten e.V. improves the living conditions of many people, including in the Tigray region recently affected by the civil war.

Dr. Georg Schwede (Badenweiler), BMZ Engagement Award for many years of commitment

Dr. Georg Schwede has been committed to nature conservation for more than 30 years, especially for protected areas worldwide. He has worked with conservation authorities and governments, especially in the tropical zone, to protect the climate and biodiversity.

Press release of 13.09.2023