Support for women after war trauma. The Finnish award goes to Kiev

This year's International Equality Award, sponsored by the Finnish government, was awarded to the Ukrainian Masha Foundation. The Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo, donated PLN 300,000. euro to the founders of an organization helping Ukrainian women who experienced violence during the war and those imprisoned in Russia.

“Finland wants to support Ukraine in every possible way and continue its long-standing policy of promoting gender equality internationally. The award is a concrete way to help women affected by Russian aggression,” said the head of the Finnish government. The gala took place on Monday evening in Tampere.

The Masha Foundation – said in a statement – helps Ukrainian women cope with war experiences. He trains, among others: psychologists to provide the best possible help and runs a rehabilitation center in Kiev for women who have experienced various forms of war violence, including sexual violence.

The Finnish government's award was established in 2017, when Finland celebrated its 100th anniversary of independence. This year's edition received over 350 applications from around the world. In previous years, Finland awarded the prize to, among others: organizations supporting women in Afghanistan or Turkey. In the first edition of the competition in 2017, the prize was awarded to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who in turn donated it to a Nigerian organization fighting domestic violence. (PAP)

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