Vigdís Prize: Celebrating Women’s Empowerment Globally

The Vigdís Prize for Women’s Empowerment is awarded by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, celebrating initiatives that champion gender equality and women’s empowerment. Named after Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, the world’s first elected woman president and a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, the prize honors her legacy as a trailblazer in fostering women’s leadership and inclusivity. Instituted during the 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of Council of Europe Member States in 2023, the award emphasizes creating equitable opportunities for women, promoting diverse representation in decision-making, and encouraging inclusive policies. The selection process and administration of the prize reflect a commitment to recognizing impactful efforts toward women’s empowerment globally.

The Vigdís Prize for Women’s Empowerment is an annual initiative aimed at rewarding exceptional efforts to empower women across various domains. It recognizes outstanding actions promoting gender equality, inclusive practices, and equitable participation in decision-making. The award includes a cash prize of €60,000 and a diploma, enabling winners to fund projects that further women’s empowerment. With a rigorous selection process, nominees are evaluated by a diverse panel of experts with recognized standing in the field. The prize underscores the importance of creating opportunities for women to take prominent roles in society and celebrates initiatives fostering inclusivity and leadership.