The Awarding Steering Committee of the Eastern partnership Civil Society Forum respectively recognises Women’s Association for Rational Development – WARD’s advocacy for gender equality, women’s empowerment and participation in Azerbaijan, exemplifying the vital role of civil society operating in restrictive environments.
They also recognise Ukrainian Prism’s outstanding and unwavering work in foreign policy and international security, contributing to stronger democratic governance, regional cooperation and the European integration of Ukraine.
Women’s Association for Rational Development
The Women’s Association for Rational Development (WARD) is one of Azerbaijan’s most prominent and impactful civil society organisations advancing gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive development. Founded in 2002 by leading gender expert Shahla Ismayil, WARD is grounded in the conviction that sustainable national progress is impossible without equal rights and opportunities for women and men.
For over two decades, WARD has built new structures and systems that have transformed the country’s gender landscape, pioneering initiatives where none previously existed. These include Azerbaijan’s first Maternity School, the Gender School, the informal Women’s Parliament, the School of Women Entrepreneurs, and the Women’s Dialogue School – all of which created vital spaces for learning, leadership, and collective voice. Through its consistent engagement with international mechanisms, including independent UN CEDAW shadow reporting, WARD has ensured accountability and representation of women’s rights at national, regional, and global levels.
WARD’s programming spans five strategic pillars – Gender Equality, Healthcare, Economic Development, Peacebuilding, and Legal Literacy. Each combines capacity-building with integrated advocacy, supported by influential public campaigns such as “Claim Your Rights!”, “Peace Power!”, YOL, BANU, and others that have shaped attitudes, strengthened competencies, and driven gender-responsive policy dialogue across the country. WARD also produces and hosts the gender-equality TV programme “Sən Demə…” and the widely followed podcast “Niyə də YOX?!”, both challenging deep-rooted gender stereotypes and showcasing women role models.
Operating through years of restricted civic space and repeated pressures on independent NGOs and media, WARD has remained steadfast, principled, and resilient. Its work continues to accelerate the advancement of women’s rights in Azerbaijan, ensuring that the pursuit of equality remains a national priority.
“Bestowing the 2025 EaP Civil Society Award to WARD not only recognises its pioneering leadership in gender equality but also the courage, endurance, and democratic value of civil society organisations that persist – and drive progress – even in the most challenging environments”.
Upon receiving the Award, WARD Founder and Chairperson Shahla Ismayil declared: “Resilience is not born in crisis – it is born in dignity. And dignity grows where women are not merely present, but free to shape the course of their lives and the communities around them. Women have held this quiet strength for generations, long before the world learned to recognise it”.
Read Ms Ismayil’s acceptance speech.
Foreign Policy Council “Ukrainian Prism”
Established in 2015, the Foreign Policy Council “Ukrainian Prism” is a think tank dedicated to foreign policy and international security. Since its foundation, experts from Ukrainian Prism have provided evidence-based analysis to strengthen democratic governance, regional cooperation, reforms and the integration of the Eastern Partnership countries with the European Union.
Despite the devastating impact of Russia’s war of aggression, Ukrainian Prism stands as the embodiment of the strength and resilience of Ukrainian civil society, demonstrating unwavering commitment to democratic values, and the pursuit of justice even in the most challenging circumstances.
In the first months of the war, the team redirected its resources to humanitarian and defence support, organising medical supplies and rebuilding bomb shelters in schools to allow children to return to education. Simultaneously, it continued to advance Ukraine’s European integration, coordinating international advocacy campaigns and supporting EU candidate status for Ukraine and Moldova, including from Brussels where they opened an office in 2023.
Through expert discussions, policy advocacy, and collaboration with partners from the region, Ukrainian Prism continues to strengthen democratic institutions, addressing key issues such as sanctions, defence cooperation, justice, Ukraine’s recovery, and European integration. Its work embodies the courage, perseverance, and civic dedication that the Civil Society Award seeks to recognise — demonstrating that even amid war, civil society remains a cornerstone of democracy and hope.
Upon receiving the Award, Executive Director of Ukrainian Prism Hennadiy Maksak declared: “This award is a testament to the strength of Ukrainian civil society as a whole, which forms the foundation of our people’s and state’s resilience in the face of Russian aggression. We must acknowledge that we are standing here only thanks to the courage and self-sacrifice of Ukrainian soldiers. Let this award serve as a reminder to us all that our independence and freedom come at a high price.”
Read Mr Maksak’s acceptance speech.
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