The Lotus Flower is incredibly honoured to have been awarded the Care Partnership Prize for 2022.

The prize is given by Care International every two years to a partner organisation which it says “works in a special way and with exceptional commitment to help people in need.”

During a special ceremony in Bonn, Germany, we were recognised for our achievements in creating new perspectives for internally displaced women and girls, and for supporting them with psychosocial help. Care also noted that, “at the political level, the organisation is committed to asserting the rights of women and girls as well as social minorities in Iraq.”

Speaking at the ceremony, which was attended by our Founder Taban Shoresh and Regional Director Vian Ahmed, Mayoress of Bonn Katja Dörner said: “It is particularly important to me to stand up for gender equality locally and globally. We do this as a city with our equality body and a systematic equality plan. We also work closely with women's groups in Bonn and are involved in networks such as ‘gender@international Bonn’. I am pleased that an organisation that is characterised by such special commitment in this field is being chosen. My heartiest congratulations to the Lotus Flower.”

Meanwhile, Karl-Otto Zentel, Secretary General of Care Germany, said: "The Lotus Flower is an outstanding organisation that offers women and girls a perspective in a seemingly hopeless situation. Women and girls grow, learn and find shelter. At Care, we know from decades of experience that progress made for women is progress made for their families and communities. I am all the more pleased that we are able to present the partnership award to the Lotus Flower today.”

During the event, a video was shown to audience members charting the Lotus Flower’s story, and why our Founder Taban was driven to start the charity. In a powerful speech, she told guests: “This award is a great recognition. We work every day to give women and girls the opportunity to stand on their own two feet and we are grateful that Care is a big part of that. We look forward to tackling further projects together that will have a positive impact on the lives of women and girls in Iraq.”

Our Regional Director Vian also took part in a panel on women as agents of change during difficult times, while both she and Taban visited Care’s Advisory Board in Germany and gave insight into working in Kurdistan as part of a women’s organisation. The ceremony was also attended by Prof. Dr. Winfried Polte, President of Care Deutschland, and Bettina Metz, Managing Director UN Women Deutschland.

In conclusion, Care commented that the organisation is “proud to have such a strong and dedicated partner” as the Lotus Flower - and the feeling is certainly mutual!

Check out more photos in the gallery below - all kindly taken by Jennifer Zumbusch.