The purpose of the Ginetta Sagan Fund of Amnesty International USA is to support courageous women human rights defenders who are working in dangerous contexts to further the rights of women and children. The creation of the Ginetta Sagan Fund emphasizes that more human rights work must be done by and for women. The $20,000 award recognizes individual accomplishment, but also serves as a beacon of hope to women everywhere who are fighting for human rights.
Application Details
We ask that the nomination form be completed as thoroughly and with as much detail as possible. The nomination form can be completed by anyone who knows about the nominee and her work.
The $20,000 award can be used by the awardee at her complete discretion. The money is awarded to the individual, not the organization.
A political party leader or government official or employee is not eligible for the Ginetta Sagan Fund award. Amnesty International is a non-partisan organization.
- Founder and/or Executive Director of an organization or leader of a movement.
- Actively working to advance the rights of women and/or children, in line with internationally recognized human rights principles.
- Has brought about significant change in her country, region, or issue through her work.
- Proven effective at addressing human rights issues.
- Not currently affiliated with, employed by or formally associated with any government or political party.
- Demonstrates a clear commitment to non-violent social change.
The committee also considers whether the nominee:
- Has experienced threats, intimidation, or detention as a result of their human rights work.
- Are rooted in and work within their own communities.
- Are native to the region in which their activism takes place and demonstrate a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and political context in which the violations are occurring.
- Addresses systemic and structural drivers of human rights violations, possibly in addition to providing direct services or support (recognizing that many effective defenders do both).
- Represents a heretofore under-represented region or issue, or a new region for the GSF (see past awardees section for more context).
Visit this page for information about previous awardees.
In addition to the nomination form you complete, you are invited to include up to two letters of recommendation from other people who are familiar with the nominee’s human rights work. The recommendation letter should outline: How and to what extent the writer knows the nominee, how the nominee has impacted and/or transformed her community through her work, and any other relevant information. Please be sure to attach any letter of recommendation to your submission at the end of this online form.
Please be sure to attach a photograph of the nominee to be used for publicity materials through this online form. Please be sure that Amnesty International USA has legal permission to use the photograph in all media.
Any additional material that can help the Selection Committee gain insight into the candidate would be very helpful. This can include website links to press, interviews, and any other relevant information. Please submit those materials as document attachments.
The completed nomination form (including any letters of recommendation and supporting materials) must be received by June 1, 2026. Please submit your completed nomination form and all supporting materials via this online form. If you have any questions or problems with this form, please email [email protected].
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