Marta Centre Honored with Simone Veil Prize for Championing Women’s Rights in Latvia and Ukraine
The Marta Centre, a leading Latvian non-governmental organization dedicated to women’s rights, has been awarded the Simone Veil Prize by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The recognition celebrates the organization’s unwavering commitment to supporting victims of violence and advocating for gender equality, both in Latvia and Ukraine.
Supporting Victims of Violence: A Multifaceted Approach
The Marta Centre provides comprehensive support to women and girls affected by violence, including legal, psychological, and social assistance. In Latvia, the center assisted over 700 individuals in 2025, offering crucial services to those experiencing violence or sexual exploitation. Since the start of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, the Marta Centre has extended its support to Ukrainian women impacted by war and violence.
In Ukraine, the Marta Centre collaborates with local partners to provide essential aid, including accommodation, legal assistance, and psychological support to women affected by the conflict. Marta Centre Ukraine was officially registered as a public organization on April 29, 2025.
A Champion of the Istanbul Convention
The Simone Veil Prize jury specifically acknowledged the Marta Centre’s “decisive action for the sustainability of the Istanbul Convention,” an international treaty designed to combat violence against women. This recognition comes at a critical time, as Latvia faced internal debate regarding its commitment to the convention.
In late October 2025, a majority of Latvian MPs initially voted in favor of withdrawing from the Istanbul Convention, citing concerns over the concept of “gender” and perceived foreign interference. Still, following a veto from Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, who returned the legislation to Parliament for reconsideration, the decision was postponed until November 1, 2026, after the scheduled legislative elections.
About the Simone Veil Prize
Established in 2019, the Simone Veil Prize of the French Republic honors individuals or organizations working to combat violence and discrimination against women and promote gender equality. Named after Simone Veil, a Holocaust survivor and former President of the European Parliament, the prize recognizes impactful initiatives that advance women’s rights. The first edition of the prize is set to take place in 2026, as part of the Creative Europe programme.
Marta Centre: A Long-Standing Commitment
The Marta Centre has a long-standing presence in Ukraine, combining reconstruction efforts, social services, and personnel training. The organization has established three support centers in Ukraine, providing shelter, rehabilitation services, and comprehensive support to women and girls who have suffered from war crimes, including sexual violence.
“This award gives us strength and the practical means to continue,” stated Iluta Lace, founder of the Marta Centre.