The Ruth Selwyn Bursary for Achievement in Empowering Women and Girls is awarded by Equitas to a selected candidate (of the International Human Rights Training Program) who has shown a sustained commitment to the empowerment of women and girls and has used innovative education methods to advance the rights of women and girls.
The bursary is funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and it includes full tuition (including room and board) for the 3-week training program as well as travel expenses. The recipient will also join Equitas’ global network of alumni, be eligible to participate in a variety of follow-up activities and able to solicit Equitas for technical support in the implementation of his/her education activities.
Selection Criteria
The recipient must meet the selection criteria that have been established for the IHRTP as part of the annual selection process. Having successfully met these criteria, the recipient will be the candidate judged to have most ably demonstrated:
- A sustained commitment to the empowerment of women and girls; and
- The use of innovative methods, including education, to advance the rights of women and girls.
- Priority will be given to candidates who have not yet received significant regional or international recognition for their efforts.
Selection Process
As Equitas undertakes its review of the applications for the IHRTP, Equitas staff will be invited to identify candidates that meet the criteria. A short-list will be prepared by the IHRTP Program Officer in consultation with the Executive Director and Equitas staff. A selection committee, including Ruth Selwyn, the IHRTP Program Officer, the Executive Director and one outside person knowledgeable in the area of human rights and women’s rights, will review the shortlist and decide on the winner. In the event that a consensus can’t be reached the Executive Director will make the final decision.
The recipient will be informed of the award. A plaque will be presented and the recipient invited to speak at either the donor recognition event or the Opening Ceremony of the IHRTP. With the recipient’s permission, media will be contacted and encouraged to cover the recipient’s story. The recipient will also be profiled and his/her story in the newsletter/annual report/web site/other communications tools.
To know more about the International Human Rights Training Program, click here.
