The Anne Klein Women’s Award 2026 goes to women’s rights activist Awa Fall-Diop of Senegal, and thus to one of French-speaking Africa’s most renowned gender experts. For many years Awa Fall-Diop has been advocating for gender equity and, whether as a teacher, a trade unionist, the co-founder of many women’s rights organisations, or as a government minister, she has always been a proponent of a feminism that focuses on the disadvantaged and that is forging links with Africa’s younger generation of feminists.
The jury is greatly impressed by the life-long courage displayed by Awa Fall-Diop – be it in institutions she was involved with, be it in politics, or as a member of social movements. She continuously gave voice to the real-life realities faced by women and marginalised groups, and she continues to bluntly challenge traditional structures. Dr. Imme Scholz, jury chair and Co-President of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung put it thus: "In a society marked by increasing hostility against women, Awa Fall-Diop has remained unapologetically feminist."
By giving the 15th Anne Klein Women’s Award to Awa Fall-Diop, the jury does not only want to honour the feminist struggles in Senegal and all of West Africa but also wants to reassert that these movements are neither isolated nor forgotten, and that their struggle for justice is appreciated beyond national boundaries, and in Germany too.
The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung’s Anne Klein Women’s Award honours women who courageously advocate for human rights, equality, an sexual self-determination. The award, which comes with a 10,000 euro prize, will be presented in Berlin on the evening of 6 March 2026. The jury statement, as well as a short biography and photos of the awardee are available here.
Contact:
Ulrike Cichon, phone +49-(0)30-285 34-112 e-mail cichon@boell.de
