Women Wage Peace

Pascale Chen of WWP and Reem Al-Hajajra of WOS at The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought Award Ceremony of the European Parliament in Strasbourg

Last week, we were greatly honored at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, where a series of events culminated in the awarding of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. As finalists for the prize (which was awarded to María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia, leaders of the pro-democracy struggle in Venezuela), we were invited to participate in the impressive ceremony and were honored by European Union representatives. Together with our Palestinian partners, we presented our joint Mothers’ Call and received significant recognition and support.
The broad international support we are receiving, especially now – in the midst of a difficult war – is encouraging, strengthening, and moving.
Pascal Chen represented us on the European Union Parliament stage.

 

European Parliament Visit Summary – Key Events / Pascale Chen

The visit centered around WWP and WOS’s recognition as finalists for the prestigious 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, the European Union’s highest human rights honor. The main laureates were Venezuelan democratic leaders Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzales (represented in absentia).

The day was marked by extraordinary recognition from European leadership, with multiple standing ovations and strong expressions of solidarity. The delegation participated in several high-impact events:

A major media seminar showcasing their personal stories and the Mothers’ Call initiative, reaching diverse European media outlets. The Sakharov Prize Award Ceremony was conducted in the main hemicycle, followed by an honorary lunch with political leaders and fellow laureates.

The delegation engaged in intensive diplomatic meetings, including discussions with:

  • Key MEP group leaders from S&D, Renew Europe, and The Greens/EFA
  • Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament
  • A significant assembly of 136 MEPs
  • Representatives from 50 civil society organizations

They also participated in a “Peace is Possible” roundtable with other prominent peace activists and conducted extensive media engagement, including more than 15 interviews with European media outlets.

The visit culminated in crucial discussions about women’s rights, gender equality, and antisemitism with Vice-President Giuseppina Picierno, followed by engagement with student groups at the Strasbourg City Hall.

 

Sophie Wilmés, Vice President of European Parliament, Responsible for Sakharov prize community, MEP (membre of European Parliament) Renew Europe group, former Prime Minister of Belgium

 

 

Sakharov Prize Laureate 2024

Raphaël Glucksmann, MEP (member of the European Parliament) the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats group, Founder of Place Publique.
French politician

Sakharov Prize Laureate 2024
Edmundo Gonzales Urrutia, President-elect of Venezuela

Pina Picierno , Vice President of European Parliament, Responsible for Sakharov prize community, MEP (membre of Parliament ) Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats group, responsible for High-level group on Gender Equality and Diversity, Holocaust Remembrance Day and fight against Anti-Semitism, Italian politician.

 

Daniel Caspary, Head of The Delegation with the Relations with Israel de, MEP (membre of the European Parliament) European People’s Party group, German politician.
Lynn Boylan, Head of The Delegation with the Relations with Palestine, MEP (membre of the European Parliament) The Left group, Irish politician.

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