New York, June 8, 2010 – The National Council for Research on Women (NCRW) will present its Member Center Awards 2010 for excellence in research, diversity, and advocacy during its annual conference to be held at Hunter College, CUNY, June 11-12. At a special Awards Reception, the Council will confer the following:
• Advocacy Award—Women’s Environment and Development Organization (WEDO)
• Diversity and Inclusion Award—National Women’s Studies Association
• Emerging Center Award—Boise State University Gender Studies Program and the Institute for Research on Women and Gender at Columbia University
• Research and Scholarship Award—The Consortium on Race, Gender and Ethnicity at the University of Maryland, College Park

“These outstanding centers demonstrate the vital importance of women’s research and advocacy and how evidence-based scholarship can have critical impact on developing effective policies and programs. We applaud their professionalism, dedication, and expertise in areas such as global civil rights, the intersections of race, gender, and class and strategies for reducing violence and discrimination. We are very proud to count them among our network members and experts,” said NCRW President Linda Basch.

The 2010 Advocacy Award will be presented to the Women’s Environment and Development Organization (WEDO) for their contribution to the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen and their success in advocating to include gender-specific and gender-sensitive language as part of the Conference’s draft decisions.

“In the view of NCRW’s Awards Committee, WEDO has made a significant impact with its work on ensuring a gender perspective and women’s participation and leadership are well integrated into efforts aimed at tackling climate change. The Committee commended WEDO’s advocacy work to promote gender-responsive climate policy and improve resilience and capacity of women and their communities around the world.”- Linda Basch in WEDO’s official award letter.

“WEDO is proud to receive the advocacy award from NCRW, recognizing our achievements in integrating a gender perspective into climate change decision-making, policies, and programs. As we approach our 20th anniversary, this award highlights the critical role that women’s leadership and advocacy continue to play in sustainable development spheres,” said Monique Essed-Fernandes, WEDO’s Interim Director.

Cate Owren, Program Director at WEDO, will accept the award on Friday June 12th, 2010 in New York City at NCRW’s Annual Conference.

Read the full press release.

Read WEDO’s official award letter.