HelpAge International Wins Hilton Humanitarian Prize on International Women's Day

On International Women's Day, we are calling for more support for rural older women like Mama Teresa, 68. This International Women's Day, HelpAge International is delighted to be the proud recipient of the 2012 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize of US$1.5 million.

The award is the world's largest humanitarian prize, and is presented each year to an organisation that has delivered extraordinary work to alleviate human suffering.

The Hilton Prize will be presented at the Global Philanthropy Forum on 16 April in Washington, DC. The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation receives more than 200 nominations from around the world every year and the recipient is selected by an independent international jury.

"A great honour"

Steven M Hilton, CEO and president of the Foundation said: "The world is ageing. By 2015, over 890 million people will be over 60. As the world prepares for this monumental demographic shift, HelpAge is showing us that it is important to recognise and support older people so they can continue to be contributing and productive members of society."

On being selected for the award, Richard Blewitt, HelpAge International's CEO said: "It is a great honour. It is especially meaningful to draw the world's attention to the historic transformation being brought about by global ageing and the plight of millions of older people who face overwhelming financial, social and health hurdles every day.

"At HelpAge, we believe the whole world benefits when we tap the substantial wisdom and talents of older people and enable them to lead dignified, active, healthy and secure lives."

Recognising the role of rural older women

Making the announcement today on International Women's Day, the Foundation recognised the role of rural older women who care for families, contribute to communities and play a major part in food production across the developing world.

"Older women are responsible for much of the farming and food production in developing countries, a critical function as food insecurity grows," notes Catherine A. Bertini, Hilton Prize juror, Syracuse University professor, and former executive director of the United Nations World Food Program. "They are the key contributors to families and communities."

Working on the farm at 68

An example of this is Mama Teresa. She is 68 and a farmer living in Kenya. She said: "I was married at 22 and had ten children, five of whom have died. My husband died in 1982.

"I care for four grandchildren. It is very hard because I have so many and I try to educate them, but money is not there. I also work on the farm and make money from my crops. I have two calves, but I cannot sell them. I need the milk for my family to help them grow.

"In 2008, I joined the Older Citizens Monitoring Group set up by HelpAge International's Affiliate KESPA, to monitor how healthcare officials were treating older people. If you go to the hospital, they don't welcome us properly. You stay there so long, sitting on benches, four to five hours without being seen because you are old.

"Because of our group's work, they now attend to older people as soon as they see us sitting there. But there is still much more to do. I would like them to come and assist us in our homes so we don't have to travel so far."

Support needed for hidden workforce

Worldwide there are an estimated 450 million small-scale farms, like the one Mama Teresa works on. They support a population of roughly 2.2 billion people and represent 85% of the world's farms.

There is growing global concern over the sustainability of food production, distribution of food and increasing food prices as well as the impact of climate hazards, environmental degradation and depletion of natural resources.

Older women make huge contributions as farmers and caregivers. They have knowledge and experience of farming techniques and weather patterns. This can increase production, reduce waste and help mitigate the impacts of a changing, less predictable climate.

However, more action is needed to support this forgotten workforce. Blewitt concluded: "On International Women's Day, HelpAge wants older women farmers to get the help they deserve, including targeted agricultural subsidies, a basic pension for agricultural workers and improved sharing of agricultural skills with children to protect future generations."

International Women's Day photogallery

Portraits of older women surviving in Kenya's rural communities
Click here to see HelpAge International's slideshow

Welcome to HelpAge Canada

Who We Are

HelpAge Canada is Canada’s only organization dedicated exclusively to helping older people in Canada and the developing world. We have over 30 years of experience working for older people and helping them overcome poverty, claim their rights, challenge discrimination and helping them lead dignified, secure, and healthy lives. HelpAge Canada is a founding member of HelpAge International and is part of a global network of organizations operating in more than 80 countries that help millions every day.

Help us spread the word
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2700885733

Buy Kenya Gifts

The Kenya Gifts program helps develop the town of Ahero in western Kenya by providing the essentials Kenyans need to build an economy. Purchase a Kenya gift today and help an older person in a special way! Read more about the program here.

Chicken/Rooster

More than just poultry. A chicken can produce over 250 eggs in a year. Your donation will also provide funds for developmental and community projects run by our partner Joot Social Services.

Read more $45.00

Goat

More than just a goat. Goats are a valuable source of nutrition and can also help farmers expand their small business. Your gift will also provide funds for developmental and community activities run by our partner Joot Social Services.

Read more $75.00

Cow

Milk from a cow is an excellent source of nutrition, and can jumpstart a successful family business. Your donation will also provide funds for developmental and community projects run by our partner Joot Social Services. Read more $400.00

Net

Mosquito Net – preventing malaria. Mosquitos can carry malaria, a disease that affects billons of people each year and kills one million people worldwide every year.

Read more $10.00