Silver Rose is the annual Award ceremony co-organised by SOLIDAR and its members and the progressive family, with the S&D Group in the European Parliament, the Party of European Socialists (PES), Foundation of European Progressive Studies (FEPS) and this year in collaboration with the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), Young European Socialists (YES), and PES Women. With the Silver Rose Award, we highlight the work of people and organisations fighting for social justice and advancing a just transition. Additionally, this year, we are honouring a true champion of social justice with the introduction of the SOLIDAR Legacy Prize for Social Justice to an exceptional individual who has been at the forefront of advancing social justice globally.

For more than 20 years, the Silver Rose Awards has been honouring the work of collectives, grassroots movements, organisations, trade unions, activists, and exceptional individuals worldwide who have dedicated their lives to advancing social progress, gender equality, human rights, and sustainable development.

Amidst escalating environmental and humanitarian crises, civil society organisations like Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF) have been crucial in driving meaningful responses to these global challenges. Their tireless advocacy and grassroots mobilisation have been pivotal in highlighting the intersection of gender justice, environmental sustainability, and human rights, and their work is a vital part of the solution to today’s most pressing issues.

This year, we celebrate WECF for its unwavering commitment to a just transition, from local initiatives to global movements. Through its ecofeminist approach, WECF ensures that the rights and voices of marginalised communities — particularly women, youth, and those on the frontlines of climate change — are at the heart of systemic change.

We are honoured to award Women Engage for a Common Future the Silver Rose Award for a Just Transition!

We are proud to award Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF) the Just Transition Award in recognition of their tireless and transformative work at the intersection of gender justice, environmental sustainability, and social equity. For over 30 years, WECF has been at the forefront of advocating for a just and inclusive transition to a sustainable future, ensuring that the rights and needs of women, youth, and marginalised communities are central to global environmental and climate policies.

WECF’s commitment to ecofeminism and intersectional approaches has made them a key player in tackling systemic issues like environmental degradation, toxic pollution, and gender inequality. From empowering local communities in Europe, Central Asia, and Africa, to challenging harmful policies and advocating for gender just climate solutions, WECF has consistently fought to protect human rights, gender equality, and environmental justice. Their focus on promoting resilient, sustainable livelihood advocating for menstrual health, improving water and sanitation infrastructure, or supporting feminist movements exemplifies their dedication to creating a more equitable and sustainable world for all.

The Silver Rose Jury’s Motivation reads: 

“The Silver Rose Just Transition Award 2024 proudly honours Women Engage for a Common Future for their leadership in uniting gender equality and climate action to build a more inclusive and sustainable world. Through their collective action, they hold decision-makers accountable and champion a fairer, brighter future for all, especially on the global stage“.

Since their founding in 1994, Women Engage for a Common Future has been at the forefront of mobilising civil society to address the interconnected challenges of climate, environment, gender inequality, development, and democracy. Their ecofeminist perspective has been transformative, embedding intersectionality into advocacy and action. From advancing menstrual health to empowering energy communities, their work inspires holistic change and energizes youth and global communities to fight for a vibrant, more inclusive society.

The Silver Rose Just Transition Award celebrates their tenacity and unwavering commitment to prioritising people and the planet. At a time when gender equality, climate justice, and civic space face unprecedented challenges, Women Engage for a Common Future stands as an inspiration of resilience and offers solutions for transformative change at every level.

“On behalf of the WECF team, we are very happy to accept the Silver Rose Award. We are truly grateful for the recognition of our collective efforts in advancing transformative gender equality, climate justice, and sustainable development, alongside our fellow colleagues and partners in 70 countries. This achievement is shared with everyone who has supported and worked alongside us in this important, ongoing mission. Especially in these uncertain times, being an ecofeminist is (might be) a privilege for some, and a real threat for others. This award therefore strengthens our determination to achieve an ecofeminist future.”

Sascha Gabizon & Melano Tskhvaradze, on behalf of the whole WECF team