What is the Ruth Selwyn Bursary?
The Ruth Selwyn Bursary for Achievement in Empowering Women and Girls is conferred each year on a meritorious 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 (previously the Canadian Human Rights Foundation), 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 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 3-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.

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; and
• 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 either the donor recognition event or the Opening Ceremony of the IHRTP.  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 newsletter/annual report/web site/other communications tools.

2010 Bursary Recipient
In 2010, the second Ruth Selwyn Bursary for Achievement in Empowering Women and Girls was awarded to Mrs. Adzoavi Nyuito Tatey, Coordinator of ALAFIA, Femmes Santé et Développement in Togo for her work in defending women’s rights and changing traditional practices