Recipient of the International Gender Equality Prize 2025 is Masha Foundation – recognition for Ukrainian women in the midst of war

– Finland wants to support Ukraine in every way possible and continue its long-standing policy of promoting gender equality internationally. The Prize offers a concrete way to help women suffering from Russia's war of aggression, says the Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

– The importance of gender equality must not be forgotten in the midst of war. The psychological support provided by the Masha Foundation to women who have experienced violence as a result of the war is of utmost importance and lays the foundation for Ukraine’s reconstruction, says Minister of Social Security responsible for gender equality, Sanni Grahn-Laasonen.

Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine has undermined the realization of women’s rights and increased violence against women. The Masha Foundation supports Ukrainian women in recovering from the psychological consequences of war, assists victims of war crimes – including those who have experienced sexual violence and those who have been imprisoned by Russia – and also trains psychologists and maintains a rehabilitation center in Kyiv.

The organization’s founders, Mariia Yefrosinina and Oksana Nechyporenko, describe the significance of their work: – Now we see the importance of our work more clearly than ever. We realized it as soon as the full-scale invasion began. It gave us a deeper understanding that we must support Ukrainian women. At this moment, it is more important than ever before.

Nomination process and the Prize Jury

More than 350 nominations from around the world were received for the Prize. The decision was made based on the recommendation of an independent international jury.

– The jury unanimously decided to nominate the Masha Foundation as the recipient of the Prize. In particular, the organization’s focus on providing psychological support to women who have experienced violence – a need that often receives little attention when discussing violence against women – was a decisive factor in the selection. Awarding the Prize is also a way to bring gender equality more to the forefront in the context of Ukraine, says the chair of the Prize Jury, Member of Parliament Saara-Sofia Sirén.

This year’s Prize Jury also includes former Foreign Minister of Argentina Susana Malcorra, Ambassador Delphine O, founder of Equimundo Gary Barker, former Member of Parliament and MEP Silvia Modig and Plan International youth representative from Nepal, Smarika Pokharel.

Tampere is the hometown of the International Gender Equality Prize Award

The International Gender Equality Prize is an award established and funded by the Government. It is administered by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The City of Tampere has been a partner and host city for the award since 2017.

– I am proud that Tampere is hosting the International Gender Equality Prize Award, which strengthens gender equality and promotes the rights and opportunities of women and girls. Equality and non-discrimination are key values for Tampere, which also form the basis for the city's strategy and the mayor's program, says Ilmari Nurminen, Mayor of Tampere.