Kenyan NGO to receive UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize 2018

A Kenyan Non-Governmental Organisation, The Coexist Initiative is set to receive the 2018
edition of the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Nonviolence
during a prestigious award ceremony that will take place at UNESCO headquarters in
Paris on 16th November, 2018.

An international jury recognised the NGO for their promotion of gender equality, social justice
and human rights, with particular focus on women and girls. The Coexist Initiative has been
working to end violence against women, particularly through an approach that tackles harmful
cultural practices and negative stereotypes based on gender. Moreover, the Initiative advocates
for the rights and empowerment of women and girls by better involving men, boys and
community leaders in their work.

Filmmaker Manon Barbeau, from Canada will also be awarded during the ceremony. Manon
Barbeau, an innovative social entrepreneur and filmmaker, will be awarded for her defense of
human rights and tolerance through the art of cinema and a wide range of activities that she has
developed through Wapikoni Mobile Studios, amplifying the voices of indigenous people.

Wapikoni hosts educational workshops and film screenings to raise awareness and educate the
wider public about indigenous cultures, languages and identities. It also provides mentorship and
capacity building in audiovisual creation to indigenous youth, allowing them to master digital
tools by directing short films and musical works.