The Vigdís Prize for Women’s Empowerment is an esteemed annual award launched in May 2023 by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in collaboration with the Government of Iceland. Named after Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, the first woman in the world to be elected as a head of state, this initiative aims to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women. The award recognizes individuals or civil society organizations that have made significant contributions to advancing women’s rights, ensuring their equal participation in decision-making, and fostering inclusive policies. The selection process is overseen by a dedicated panel of six independent experts in women’s empowerment, nominated by PACE and the Icelandic government. The award ceremony takes place in Strasbourg, in the debating chamber of the Palais de l’Europe, highlighting the commitment of European leaders to gender equality and social progress. The prize serves not only as recognition but also as a financial boost to support further initiatives in women’s empowerment. The first edition of the prize in 2024 was awarded to the Irida Women’s Center in Greece, an NGO dedicated to supporting women facing poverty, social exclusion, and gender-based violence.

The Vigdís Prize for Women’s Empowerment is a prestigious €60,000 annual grant awarded to individuals or civil society organizations championing gender equality. Launched in partnership with the Government of Iceland, the prize acknowledges exceptional contributions in promoting women’s empowerment, ensuring equal participation in decision-making, and fostering inclusive policies. The award supports winners in continuing their impactful work to advance women’s rights globally. The selection process involves two rounds of evaluation, first shortlisting three candidates and then selecting the final recipient. The winner is announced in June at a formal ceremony in Strasbourg, reinforcing the commitment to recognizing those making a tangible difference in women’s empowerment. The financial award is intended to further initiatives that promote gender equality, particularly focusing on areas such as economic empowerment, leadership opportunities, and protection against gender-based violence. The first recipient of the award in 2024 was the Irida Women’s Center in Greece, an organization dedicated to supporting marginalized women. With a broad scope, the prize encourages participation from diverse sectors, recognizing efforts at local, national, and international levels. By celebrating these contributions, the Vigdís Prize plays a vital role in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.