2021 Aurora Prize Laureate Julienne Lusenge

ArmInfo.The sixth annual Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity was awarded today to Julienne Lusenge, a human rights defender, co-founder of Women's Solidarity  for Inclusive Peace and Development (SOFEPADI) and Fund for Congolese  Women (FFC), who has been helping the victims of wartime sexual  violence for years.

This was reported by the press service of the  initiative.  According to the source, her boundless courage and  tireless activism have shone a light on the desperate plight of  thousands of Congolese women subjected to horrific sexual abuse  amidst the civil war in the country, exposing the perpetrators and  bringing them to justice. She was named the 2021 Aurora Prize  Laureate at the Ceremony titled "Reviving Together" that was held in  Venice, Italy.  The Aurora Prize is granted by the Aurora  Humanitarian Initiative on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian  Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors.

"Julienne Lusenge's exceptional achievements remind us of the impact  one person can have, even when encountering the seemingly  insurmountable pressure and risks. By recognizing her courage,  commitment and selflessness, we are hopeful that she can also inspire  each one of us to think about what we can do to stand up on behalf of  those whose rights are abused and who are in dire need of our  solidarity and support," noted Lord Ara Darzi, Chair of Aurora Prize  Selection Committee and Co-Director of the Institute of Global Health  Innovation at Imperial College London.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has powerfully demonstrated that what happens  in one corner of the world, however remote, affects all of us. We  cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of others; we cannot  afford to not care. Today, more than ever, we need to let the  universal values of gratitude and humanity unite and guide us, as  they guide 2021 Aurora Prize Laureate Julienne Lusenge," said Noubar  Afeyan, Co-Founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and Founder  and CEO of Flagship Pioneering.

As the 2021 Aurora Prize Laureate, Julienne Lusenge will receive a  $1,000,000 grant and a chance to continue the cycle of giving by  supporting organizations that help people in need. This year,  considering the acute needs of the people of Artsakh (Nagorno-  Karabakh) affected by the 2020 war, Aurora will recommend her to  direct 25% of the award funds to addressing urgent humanitarian  issues in Artsakh. The Aurora Co-Founders are committed to matching  this contribution to bring the total amount to $500,000.  Besides  this, Ms. Lusenge has nominated three organizations that support  grassroots women's organizations, empower survivors of gender-based  violence and reintegrate internally displaced persons: 

Fund for Congolese Women; League for Congolese Solidarity;  Association of Mothers for Development and Peace.  "The outstanding  work carried out by Julienne Lusenge and her organizations that help  women, as well as her courage and perseverance in going against  powerful local forces to protect them, is an example of empathy,  kindness and dedication. One of the most important goals of Aurora is  empowering such heroes, and we are grateful for the opportunity to do  just that," said Hina Jilani, Aurora Prize Selection Committee member  and Former United Nations Special Representative of the  Secretary-General on Human Rights Defenders.

Part of SOFEPADI is a hospital and mobile clinics providing holistic  medical and psychological care to survivors of sexual violence.  In  2010-2020, the medical center received and treated 6,284 people,  including 567 internally displaced people. SOFEPADI also encourages  socio-economic reintegration with income-generating activities,  apprenticeships, and school reintegration, and provides the survivors  with legal advice and representation in court. 

"At the heart of Aurora is a global movement based on the idea of  Gratitude in Action. With hundreds of people that have already joined  us, the impact Aurora has managed to achieve is literally changing  the world. It is an honor to be able to recognize such heroes as  Julienne Lusenge and to be able to highlight and promote their work  with the help of our donors and supporters from across the globe,"  noted Ruben Vardanyan, Co-Founder of the Aurora Humanitarian  Initiative and Noodome.

Since its launch, the Aurora Prize has changed the lives of almost  1,000,000 people affected by war, conflict, persecution, and other  humanitarian issues. This action-based philanthropy, focused on  tangible results, is possible thanks to the supporters whose  contribution allows the Prize to continue empowering modern-day  heroes. Aurora appreciates any commitment to endorse its mission and  encourages everyone to join the Initiative and support it.

In the meantime, nominations are still open for the 2022 Aurora Prize  for Awakening Humanity. Until October 31, 2021, any person can submit  a nomination for candidates they believe have overcome great personal  challenges to help others.