Karama has launched Mahfoutha, the Sindiyanat el-Karama Award on 28 November 2007 in Amman-Jordan.

This Award is our way of honoring women across the Arab world .women who have struggled throughout their lives to achieve justice and preserve dignity in a prejudiced and dangerous world. These extraordinary women, like the sindiyana (oak tree) that gives its name to this award, are symbols of strength and resilience, struggle and endurance, life and loyalty. They are role models for women young and old across our region and around the world.

Mahfoutha Shtayyeh, a 65-year-old Palestinian woman, is the first recipient of this award will be attending the meeting. She inspired us when she stood up to Israeli soldiers and settlers who, in 2004, were uprooting hundreds of olive trees in her village—the source of her community’s livelihoods. Alone and defenseless, she clung to one of the few trees left standing. Her action spoke out powerfully against the wanton destruction and its disastrous effects for an already suffering people .    More