Red Cross Act of Humanity award to the creators of Tytöille, jotka ajattelevat olevansa yksin
We present the Act of Humanity award to the creators of the Tytöille, jotka ajattelevat olevansa yksin (For girls, who think they are alone) book, Ujuni Ahmed and Elina Hirvonen, for raising an important issue and providing a touching depiction of young people and children who are out-of-reach of many services and face many issues.
Tytöille, jotka ajattelevat olevansa yksin is based on Ujuni Ahmed's experiences as a woman with an immigrant background in Finnish society, and it also explores the issues girls with immigrant backgrounds face at large. The Finnish National Theatre play based on the book has also contributed to the opportunities young people and girls with immigrant backgrounds have of having their voices heard in Finnish society.
"This book by Ahmed and Hirvonen is an important social contribution that encourages people to seek solutions for the reduction of malaise among children and young people in a broader sense, as well," says President of the Board of the Finnish Red Cross Elli Aaltonen.
"At the Red Cross, we want to encourage others to take time to listen to those in need and work towards everyone having equal opportunities to have their voice heard in society," Aaltonen continues.
The book has gained attention and raised discussion
According to Ahmed, the issues faced by girls with an immigrant background and experiences of violence are not seen as matters of equality in Finnish society, which is what she wanted the book to address. The book, created in cooperation by Ahmed and Elina Hirvonen, was intended to raise awareness and it succeeded: many minorities, schools and healthcare professionals have contacted the creators.
At the Red Cross, we want to encourage others to take time to listen to those in need.
"Tytöille, jotka ajattelevat olevansa yksin was born out of our desire to provide peer support to young people and girls with immigrant backgrounds who face similar challenges as I did in my community and Finnish society," Ahmed says.
Ahmed and Hirvonen were pleasantly surprised by the award.
"We are honoured to receive the Act of Humanity award, especially now that more cooperation is needed. The reasons for awarding our work are exactly what we wanted to accomplish with the book, that is, present opportunities for discussion. This is the most wonderful award that this book could ever receive," Hirvonen says with a smile.
The Act of Humanity award will be presented today, 7 May, as part of the Red Cross week. We present the Act of Humanity award each year to a person or community for special achievement in promoting human themes, values and activities in Finland. The award was first presented in 1988.
