Launched by the Canadian social justice organization Inter Pares, the Peter Gillespie Social Justice Award honours the social justice legacy of Peter Gillespie, a human rights activist who dedicated his life to advancing social justice in Canada and internationally. This year, Inter Pares is honored to give the award to the Canadian Council of Muslim Women for their courageous work in advancing women’s rights in a climate of increasing hate and fear mongering against Muslims.

Founded in 1982, the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) is a leading progressive voice for Muslim women in Canada. CCMW works diligently to promote and encourage understanding and interfaith dialogue between Muslims and other faith communities.

In this inaugural year for the award, Inter Pares has chosen to honour a Canadian organization whose work has had a positive and innovative impact on women’s rights.

“The work of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women embodies the values this award seeks to honour. In the face of increasing and sometimes tragically violent discrimination against Muslims in Canada, they have continued to raise their voices for the universality of human rights, and against restrictions or discrimination based on religion, gender or race,” said Jack Hui Litster, Community Engagement Manager at Inter Pares.

Alia Hogben, CCMW Executive Director, stated: “Our organization is honoured and grateful to have been chosen for this wonderful award. This award means a great deal to us, as it recognizes the years of advocacy to improve the lives of Canadian Muslim women and their families. It is specially auspicious for us as this year marks the 35^th anniversary of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women.”

The award will be given at 7pm on April 24^th, at the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, located at 299 Montreal Road, Vanier, Ottawa.

Following the award, attendees will enjoy the Ottawa premiere of the documentary play Seven. The play intertwines seven true stories told by women’s rights activists from Russia, Cambodia, Guatemala, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan and Northern Ireland.