Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 3 April 2017 - Two outstanding winners from Algeria and Palestine under the individuals and organisations category were awarded the 12th Edition of the Islamic Development Bank Prize for Women's Contribution to Development. This year's edition of the prize is presented to women and women organisations who played a prominent role in promoting “Women’s Contribution to the Prevention and Control of Cancer”.

The announcement was made by Dr. Bandar Hajjar, President of the Islamic Development Bank Group, who explained that the selection process for organisations and individuals was carried out by an independent committee of expert women external to IDB and representing different parts of the Islamic world.

According to the committee's decision, the prize under the Individual’s Category will be awarded to a woman:
- Mrs. Hamida Kettab (Algeria), for her pioneering role in raising awareness and promoting and faacilitating the early detection of cancer.

The prize under the Organisation’ Category will also awarded to a women led organisation:
- Dunya Center, Palestine: for its outstanding work in providing screening, early detection, rehabilitation, survivorship services and information and for extending its services to families of the affected women.

The IDB Prize for Women's Contribution to Development was established in 2006, with a view to highlighting the important role played by Muslim women in developing local communities. Since 2006, the prizes have been awarded to 40 laureates under the individuals and organizations categories from 27 countries.

The winners will receive their Award in a special ceremony to be held in conjunction with the 42nd Annual Meeting of IDB’s Board of Governors, which will take place in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 17-18 May 2017.