Greek activist wins 2020 Nelson Mandela Prize

·

Greek activist Marianna Vardinoyannis, along with Guinean doctor Morissana Kouyaté, are the winners of the 2020 Nelson Mandela Prize.

The 2020 Nelson Mandela Prize, which is awarded every five years, recognises those who dedicate their lives to the service of humanity. Kouyaté and Vardinoyannis will be unveiled during a virtual ceremony on 20 July ahead of an in-person award ceremony which will take place at a later date at UN Headquarters in New York.

The Prize is one of the ways the UN commemorates the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, the first democratically-elected President of South Africa, and a life-long rights activist who was instrumental in ending the racist apartheid era in the country. The 2020 Prize was awarded just ahead of Nelson Mandela International Day, held annually on 18 July.

Marianna V. Vardinoyannis

Marianna V. Vardinoyannis, female maie laureate of the 2020 United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize.

Marianna Vardinoyannis received the Mandela Prize due to her incredible work with children’s cancer treatment for over 30 years.

Ms. Vardinoyannis is the founder and president of two foundations dedicated to children: the “Marianna V. Vardinoyannis Foundation” and “ELPIDA Friends’ Association of Children with cancer.” Notably, the ELPIDA association was instrumental in setting up the first bone marrow transplant unit in Greece, in 1999, and the country’s first oncology hospital for children, in 2010.

Her foundation also supports programmes for the medical care of refugee children and other vulnerable social groups, human rights education, programmes, and the fight against human trafficking.

Ms. Vardinoyannis has been a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador since 1999.

Morissanda Kouyate

Morissanda Kouyate, maie laureate of the 2020 United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize.

As Executive Director of the Inter-African Committee on Harmful Traditional Practices (IAC), Dr. Kouyaté is a leading figure in efforts to end violence against women in Africa, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). He has received several international humanitarian awards for his work.

Dr. Kouyaté created IAC in 1984 in Dakar, Senegal, at a time when FGM was a highly controversial and sensitive issue for discussion.

The organization aims, through education, to change attitudes towards the practice, and allow all African women and children to fully enjoy their human rights, free from the consequences of FGM, and other harmful practices. 

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Phlavour Revolution: Greek duo deliver home-cooked goodness to your doorstep

The duo behind restaurant Bahari in Richmond have recently launched a new venture, called Phlavour, ‘Mediterranean Ready Meals.’

Webinar for Greeks abroad tackles key tax issues and draws hundreds

The first TaxWebinar dedicated exclusively to Greeks abroad and tax residents of other countries was held on Wednesday, July 9.

From passports to tax reform: Loverdos sets agenda ahead of Australia visit

Loverdos has confirmed that he will be visiting Australia from 8 to 26 October, acknowledging the government’s absence from the country.

‘I’m not done yet’: Ange Postecoglou reflects on heritage and coaching dreams

Ange Postecoglou sat down with The Greek Herald to reflect on his philosophy and his cultural heritage. Read the interview here.

Heritage NSW inspects Paragon Café as emergency works get underway

The Paragon Café in Katoomba has taken its first meaningful steps toward preservation following a recent on-site inspection by Heritage NSW.

You May Also Like

Lemnos Gallipoli Photographic Exhibition comes home

The Lemnian Community of Victoria will host an exhibition of photos taken by soldiers, nurses and doctors during their time in Lemnos.

Sydney’s Greek community join together to commemorate the Athens Polytechnic Uprising

The 48th anniversary of the Athens Polytechnic Uprising was commemorated on Sunday with an event organised by GOCNSW and CUGA.

Greece: Talks with Turkey on eastern Med could restart soon

Greece is close to resuming talks with Turkey over maritime zones, government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on Monday.