The Ruth Selwyn Bursary for Achievement in Empowering Women and Girls is conferred each year on a candidate to attend the International Human Rights Training Program (IHRTP). The Bursary recognizes the exceptional role and contributions of Ruth Selwyn, the past Executive Director of Equitas, who laid the groundwork for the IHRTP to become the world’s pre-eminent human rights training program and whose career spanned a lifetime of engagement in the struggle for equality. The bursary is financed from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)’s contribution to the Global Human Rights Education Program.

What Does The Bursary Include?
The Bursary includes full tuition (including room and board) for the three-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.

Pornpit Puckmai, Empower Foundation, Thailand Ruth Selwyn Bursary 2009: Ms. Puckmai was the first recipient of the Ruth Selwyn Bursary for Achievement in Empowering Women and Girls. She was recognized for her over 10 years of effort fighting for equal rights for sex workers in Thailand as well as safe and fair working conditions. The 2010 Ruth Selwyn Bursary was presented to Mrs. Adzoavi Nyuito Tatey, Coordinator of ALAFIA, Femmes Santé et Développement in Togo. She was recognized for her work to restore the rights of widows to inherit following the standards of Togolese law and to eradicate demeaning customary practices.

What Are The Criteria For The Award?
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
• 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.

What Is The 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.

How Will The Bursary Be Promoted?
The recipient will be informed of the award. A plaque will be presented and the recipient invited to speak at an IHRTP event. With the recipient’s permission, media will be contacted and encouraged to cover the recipient’s story. We will also profile the participant and his/her story in the Equitas News newsletter, annual report and on our website.