Exceptional Women of Peace Awards – Nominations Now Open!
This year we honor the anniversary of
the UN Resolution 1325 advocating for the leadership of women.
On International Women’s Day, March 8th, we proudly launch the 2026 Exceptional Women of Peace Awards—a celebration of women, and young women 25 and under, whose courage, compassion, and leadership are transforming their communities and advancing peace in powerful ways.
Across the world, women are building bridges where there is division, advocating for justice where there is silence, and creating hope where challenges seem overwhelming. Their work often happens quietly, yet its impact echoes across generations.
The Exceptional Women of Peace Awards honors these remarkable women – leaders, advocates, healers, organizers, and changemakers who dedicate their lives to fostering peace, dignity, and opportunity for others.
Now is the time to recognize their contributions.
If you know a woman, or if you are a woman, whose work inspires unity, strengthens communities, or champions peace and justice. Your nomination can help shine a light on the extraordinary efforts of women who are making our world more compassionate, inclusive, and peaceful.
Join us in celebrating women and young women who are shaping a better future.
Nominate an Exceptional Woman or Young Woman of Peace today!
The nomination deadine is May 15, 2026.
Introducing the 2025
Exceptional Women of Peace
Award Recipients
Two Exceptional Women of Peace Awards
Reem Alhajajra: Exceptional Woman of Peace Award
Palestine
Mahadia Dalal: Exceptional Woman of Peace Award
Philippines/Palestine
Two Exceptional Young Women of Peace Awards
Kehkashan Basu
Exceptional Young Woman of Peace Award
Canada
Layba Zubair
Exceptional Young Woman of Peace Award
New Zealand
Catalyst for Change Award
Oleksandra Domagalo-Jacquemin
Catalyst for Change Award
Belgium/Ukraine
Building Peace through Art Award
Fran Tarr
Building Peace through Art Award
USA
Two Lifetime Achievement Awards
Elaine Stevens Parke
Lifetime Achievement Award
USA
Komal Gupta
Lifetime Achievement Award
India
Honoring the Following Women of Distinction
Cheryl Melody Baskin
Nancy Merritt
Mariya Taher
The 2025
Exceptional Women of Peace Awards Ceremony!
At Pathways To Peace, we consider the annual awards ceremony our “feel-good” event of the year. It is so heartwarming and inspiring to hear from the award recipients – their stories of courage, strength, and determination. These champions for peace often work in the most challenging circumstances.
Thank You to all candidates for the Exceptional Women of Peace Awards!
Every one of you is an exceptional woman of peace!
And when we honor the awardees, we honor all women who have the vision and courage to build Peace in our world.
You inspire us!
Awards Ceremony Keynote Speaker: Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury
As in the past, our 2025 Exceptional Women of Peace Awards Ceremony Keynote Speaker is Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury – a steadfast advocate for the role and leadership of Women, at the United Nations and beyond. Thank you, Ambassador!
September 13th is a significant date for our Exceptional Women of Peace Awards Ceremony. September 13th commemorates the passage of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace Resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on September 13th in 1999: A/RES/53/243 – Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace . Ambassador Chowdhury pioneered this landmark programme and since has provided global leadership to advance a Culture of Peace.
About Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury
We honor Ambassador Chowdhury for his longstanding commitment to recognizing and honoring the role of women as essential in building the global Culture of Peace!
Meet the Exceptional Women of Peace Leadership Team!
These global leaders have the difficult job of selecting the woman and young woman awardees.
Background on the Exceptional Women of Peace Awards
How do we define Exceptional Women of Peace?
We know that women are rising all around our world and in great numbers. In big and small ways, women are standing in their power and speaking their own truth. Out of this “rising up,” we see women and young women using their voice and presence to create positive change and build lasting Peace. And we recognize that women have been the heart and hands of the movements for Peace throughout our history. As Project Lead Kimberly Weichel explains, “This award honors the inspiring work of women peacebuilders whose courage, leadership, and commitment to Peace stand out as beacons of strength and hope.”
At the heart of exceptional all women of Peace, we see five fundamental driving forces:
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- Passion for the world they want for all
- Compassion that recognizes and respects the value and suffering of those in need
- Vision to see a future world at Peace
- Conviction that manifests as an unwavering belief that change can happen
- Action to produce the desired change
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In the spirit of our recently passed Co-Founder, Avon Mattison, PTP recognizes the exceptional leadership of women of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences. And we wish to honor those among us that have exceeded all expectations in their quest for sustainable Peace. Thank you for being Peace! We applaud your commitment to co-creating Peace, and we look forward to our work together. Wherever your heart leads you, and what opportunities surface for you, you ARE a pathway to Peace!
Meet the Finalists for the 2023 Exceptional Woman of Peace Award
Below in alphabetical order are the five finalists for the Exceptional Young Women of Peace and Exceptional Woman of Peace Awards.
Enjoy the brief videos of who these extraordinary women are and their phenomenal work for peace.
Exceptional Woman of Peace:
Dr. Batoul Al-Muhaissen
Exceptional Woman of Peace:
Esther Omam
Exceptional Woman of Peace:
Anjum Malik
Meet the Finalists for the 2023 Exceptional Young Woman of Peace Award
Exceptional Young Woman of Peace:
Haifa Aden
Exceptional Young Woman of Peace:
Kasha Slavner
When we honor one woman of peace, we honor all women of peace.
Come join the celebration of Women as Peacebuilders!
See our archive of past award ceremonies and interviews with finalists.