An increase in armed and warlike conflicts and can be observed worldwide. The victims are often civilians, especially women and children.

Sexualised violence against women and girls escalates particularly in times of war. This form of violence includes rape, sexual slavery and forced marriage. Sexualised violence is used deliberately and strategically as a means of warfare and terror. It is not only intended to degrade and humiliate the victims themselves, but also to destroy family groups and society as a whole. Surviving women and girls are not only traumatised and suffer lifelong physical consequences. They are also often marginalised and stigmatised in society.

The 19th Bremen Solidarity Award is therefore intended to honour civil society initiatives, umbrella organisations or individuals who are committed to combating sexualised violence against women and girls in their local or national context and giving those affected a voice.

Well-founded nominations for possible award winners can be submitted by 31 August 2024 at the address provided.

The Senate of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen has awarded the Bremen Solidarity Prize every two years since 1988. The prize is endowed with €10,000 and is intended as a sign of recognition and encouragement for people and initiatives who are particularly committed to democracy and human rights and to combating global injustice and the consequences of colonialism and racism.

A brief description of the Bremen Solidarity Award and an overview of previous prize winners can be found at (German only):

Bremer Solidaritätspreis - Senatskanzlei UNESCO-Welterbe Rathaus Bremen