The S&D Group and Solidar, the European network of civil society organisations, will tonight celebrate the work of those fighting for social justice in Europe and around the world. The annual Silver Rose Awards will be held in the European Parliament, on 29 January from 19.00-21.00.
This year’s winners are Mujeres Supervivientes de Violencia de Género, an organisation helping women and their children rebuild their lives after abusive relationships. Romaversitas Foundation an NGO providing support and training for young Roma in Hungary. PRODIVERSA, an international NGO and social movement working on issues relating to equality, social justice and fundamental rights. Senator Ana Theresia "Risa" Navarro Hontiveros-Baraquel, a Filipino socialist activist and politician working on civil liberties, LGBTI rights, and protecting vulnerable groups. The Neven Subotic Foundation, an NGO founded by international footballer Neven Subotic that is delivering safer sanitary facilities for schools in Ethiopia and other African countries.
This year’s awards are supported by the Europe Together initiative. Europe Together is a way of bringing together citizens, politicians and civil society together to develop a new vision for Europe.
Speaking ahead of the awards, S&D Group president Udo Bullmann said:
“All of today’s winners provide an inspiration for us. They are the people working in our societies every day to protect those in vulnerable situations and give opportunities for people to develop their lives. While businesses often focus on the low-hanging fruits where profits are most easily made, it is up to civil society to tackle the most difficult and entrenched challenges in our communities. From helping women rebuild their lives after abusive relationships, to integrating refugees, or providing safe drinking water in Africa, all these organisations and individuals are fighting to make our planet a better place to live.”
Conny Reuter, SOLIDAR secretary general added:
“The SOLIDAR Silver Rose awards remind us that progress is only possible through hard work and focused political and civic engagement in our societies. All the individuals and organisations we recognise today are working to improve people’s lives, be it providing opportunities for young Roma people, bringing communities together, or fighting against oppression, discrimination for social justice.
“We need to work together as political parties, unions and civil society, to change the status quo and create the progressive world we believe in.”
Note to editors
The awards will be live streamed on the S&D Group Website
Follow the event on Twitter using #EuropeTogether
Get involved online on the interactive #EuropeTogether portal
