TORONTO, March 22, 2004 -- Two York University students have been awarded the Women’s Intercultural Network (W.I.N.) International Women’s Day Award for helping to build peace and understanding between Jews, Muslims, Christians and other faith groups across the GTA.
York students Hina Khan and Miriam Yosowich were recognized by W.I.N. yesterday for their part in establishing the student-led Shalom-Salam@York, which they represent as its co-presidents. The aim of the organization is to provide an alternative forum for discussion about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict where supporters of both sides can meet to foster better relations in a more positive atmosphere.
"I am very happy and excited to have accepted this award along side my best friend Hina Khan,” said Yosowich. "This award is proof that our pro-peace approach is not only possible but that other like-minded people are willing to stand with us. We are especially proud to accept this award because it shows that women can be a true force for peace-making."
“Both Miriam and I are pleased that the Women's Intercultural Network recognized the work of Shalom-Salam@York and the efforts of all of our members,” adds Khan. ”This award reflects the desire between young people for fostering a dialogue which is built upon principles of peaceful co-existence and mutual respect.”
York University President and Vice-Chancellor Lorna Marsden, Toronto Mayor David Miller, Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities Mary Anne Chambers and Federal Minister of State (Multiculturalism and Status of Women) Jean Augustine were on hand for the award ceremony.
Shalom-Salam@York grew out of' a class on “War and Peace in the Middle East” taught by Political Science professor and noted Middle East commentator Saeed Rahnema.
Rahnema extended his congratulations to the students which he has been mentoring. "I am very happy and delighted with the fact that the Women's Intercultural Network choose these two young women and the group they represent for this award. It is a fitting tribute to their work and for all of the efforts of the Shalom-Salam@York team.”
“The work of Hina and Miriam will have an impact on many others beyond the York Campus,” adds W.I.N. President Talat Muinuddin. “The award commends these young people for their courage in developing this innovative effort to bridge the gap between Canadian cultural communities and an appreciation and respect for different viewpoints.”
The Women’s Intercultural Network is volunteer group of women which promotes and highlights the contributions made to Canadian society by women of diverse cultures. Among the associations represented by W.I.N. are: the Afghanistani Women’s Association, the Canadian Congress of Muslim Women, the Jamaican Canadian Association, and the National Council of Jewish Women.
Past recipients of the W.I.N. International Women’s Day Award have included Jean Augustine (federal cabinet minister), Roberta Bondar (astronaut), Vivian Poy (Canadian senator) and Raheel Raza (journalist).
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For more information or to arrange interviews, the media should contact:
Ken Turriff
Media Relations
York University
416-736-2100, ext. 22086
YU/047/04
