Jeddah, 4.5.2010 : The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) announced the winners of the 2010 IDB Prize for Women’s Contribution to Development. The Selection Committee for this year’s award selected Ms. Ma Zhiying (China) and Ms. Zahra Idali (Morocco) as the laureates in the individual category and the Muslim Educational Society (Bahrain), Haikal Organization (Sierra Leone) and PARASTOR (Tajikistan) as the winners in the organization category.
The Prize was established by the IDB in 2006 to draw international attention to the vital role women play in developing their communities and the world. The Prize is awarded annually and consists of two cash awards; US$50,000 for individuals and US$100,000 for organizations. The Laureates are selected by an independent selection committee composed of distinguished women with extensive experience in the field of the related theme and topics.
Ms. Ma Zhiying was chosen for her inspirational work in promoting young girls’ education in the rural communities of Ningxia Hui, China and Ms. Zahra Idali in recognition of her efforts in establishing and sustaining projects for young girls’ development in rural communities in Tahanaout, Morocco. Winners in the organization category included the Muslim Educational Society for its creative initiatives in promoting values and social skills among young girls in Bahrain, Haikal Organization for providing quality education and capacity building for young women in Sierra Leone and PARASTOR for supporting and encouraging the socio economic empowerment of young women in Tajikistan.
Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali, President of the IDB Group, stated that this year marked the fifth edition of the prize which is regarded as one of the Bank’s major initiatives in encouraging women’s effective participation in of the social and economic development and poverty alleviation process in IDB member countries.
He added that the prize will be formally awarded on the occasion of the 35th annual meeting of IDB’s Board of Governors which is scheduled to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 11-12 Rajab 1431H (23-24 June 2010).