The ICJW Women’s Research Prize will honor an individual who has made an outstanding contribution in original research on a topic that:

·               advances an understanding of the role of Jewish women and their contribution as leaders in their communities and in Jewish society;

·               addresses a way to improve the situation of Jewish women and analyzes their effectiveness  in the world; and/or

·               evaluates the place of women within the predominantly male leadership structures in Jewish life.

Priority will be given to research that has practical application, offering recommendations for specific programs that could be subsequently implemented. The research should have already been completed or be near completion, and must be original work that has not been submitted to any corporation or non-profit other than an institution of higher learning. Preference w il l be given towards research conducted as part of a doctoral degree, but theses towards a Master's degree may be submitted. Submissions must be made in English; however the research itself may have been written in English, Hebrew, Spanish, or French. Submissions must be received by March 8, 2009.

Leah Aharonov, President of ICJW, explains the decision to offer this prize: “We know that there is much still to be learned about the role of Jewish women and from the role of Jewish women in Jewish life. The International Council of Jewish Women views this prize as a vehicle of recognition for those academics who have chosen to delve deeper into these topics, within the broader context of highlighting the significance and effectiveness of Jewish women within their communities.”

For more information and a registration form, please email contact@icjw.org.