The five finalists in the Guardian International Development Achievement Award 2010, which is being held in association with Marie Stopes International, have been announced. Members of the public have until 3rd October to cast their votes for one of the finalists, all of whom have all been singled out for the positive impact of their work on the lives and wellbeing of the world's poorest people.
The five shortlisted finalists are:
- Emily Arnold-Fernandez; founder and director of Asylum Access, an advocacy group for the rights of refugees in South America, Africa and Asia
- Odette Kayirere; founding member of the eastern branch of the Rwandan organisation Avega, the Association of Widows of the Genocide
- Keshwa Nand Tiwari; founding member of Disha Social Organization, a civil society group which has been committed to fighting poverty in the northern Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal since 1984
- Lynne Patterson; founder of Pro Mujer, a Bolivian women’s development and microfinance organisation
- Kees Waaldijk; a fistula surgeon and public health activist who has worked in Nigeria and Niger for over 24 years.
“All five finalists have dedicated their lives to helping the poor and marginalised peoples of the world and any one of them would be a worthy winner of this award,” said Dana Hovig, CEO of Marie Stopes International, one of the judging panel who produced the shortlisted candidates.
“We are delighted that this short list recognises the breadth of talent across the field of development. Our hope is that the Guardian International Development Achievement Award will continue to provide long overdue recognition for the efforts made by individuals in improving the lives and well-being of millions of people.” To read biographies and details of each finalist’s achievements and to cast your vote, visit:
www.guardian.co.uk/achievementsaward The recipient will receive his/her award at a special event held at the Royal Academy in London on November 18, at which the winners of the 2010 Guardian Development Journalist Competition will also be announced.
For more information, contact the Marie Stopes International communications team:
press@mariestopes.org.uk or
+44 (0) 20 7034 2089