6th February 2019
The sixth edition of the National Equality and Diversity Awards is looking for its nominees. The Lithuanian public is invited to name the most remarkable human rights initiatives of 2018.
During the selection process last year 200 initiatives were named. 24 of them were selected for further consideration.
On March the National Equality and Diversity Awards will be delivered at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. The awardees are selected for their accomplishments in the fields of gender equality, mutual understanding among nations, LGBT* equality, inclusion on the grounds of age, disability and different religions or believes. The ceremony also includes the award on the most prominent initiative, i.e. “Breakthrough of the Year”, and the “Open Society Citizen” award.
According to the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson Agneta Skardžiuvienė, the long list of nominees for the National Equality and Diversity Awards is like a Walk of Fame for human rights highlights in Lithuania:
“The parallel with the famous Academy Awards is not a coincidence. Every year we hear about the most creative and determined people, who promote public respect for diversity and equality. We are eagerly waiting to learn who is bringing this honourable awards home,” she says.
“Gender, age or origin should not define our judgment in private or professional life. The most important thing is our efforts and accomplishments, so we always encourage our employees’ confidence in their abilities despite their differences. I believe that it may help to reveal one’s true potential and add more value to our society. It is a huge honor to be a part of the National Equality and Diversity Awards and to honor those who contribute to society’s growth and elimination of stereotypes,” Head of “Swedbank” in Lithuania Dovilė Grigienė says. “Swedbank” is the general sponsor of the event.
The National Equality and Diversity Awards has 8 categories. First, the committee of human rights experts will select three candidates in each category. Then society will be given an opportunity to vote for their favorites. The winner will be announced after combining public and jury votes.
You can nominate your candidate here: https://lygybe.lt/apdovanojimai The form will be open until the 19th of February.
The National Equality and Diversity Awards is organized by the Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson and the National Equality and Diversity Forum. This year the ceremony is supported by “Swedbank”, the Ministry of Social Security and Labour, the British Council in Lithuania, the Open Lithuania Foundation, “Rimi Lithuania“, the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Vilnius and “Telia Lietuva”.
More information:
Izabelė ŠVARAITĖ
PR Representative at Communication Division
Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson
Gedimino Ave. 11, LT-01103 Vilnius, Lithuania
Tel. +370 706 63924
E-mail. Izabele.svaraite@lygybe.lt