At each General Assembly, the World Blind Union (WBU) proudly recognizes outstanding contributions and achievements within the blind and partially sighted community through the presentation of three prestigious awards. These accolades celebrate individuals that have made significant impacts in advocacy. Explore more about each award and join us in honoring those who inspire and lead with exceptional dedication.
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Awards
Women’s Empowerment Award
The Women’s Empowerment Award, established by the Women’s Committee of the WBU, is presented to a woman who is blind or partially sighted and has demonstrated exceptional dedication to empowering other women within the community. This prestigious award is bestowed during the quadrennial WBU General Assembly, celebrating individuals who have made significant international contributions or have provided outstanding service to the WBU over an extended period.
The award includes a $1,000 USD monetary prize and is exclusively granted to individuals, not organizations. It was conceived from the resolutions of the 2016 General Assembly and first awarded at the 10th General Assembly in 2021.
2025 WBU Womens Forum Manifesto
Past Awardees:
10th General Assembly: 2021, Madrid, Spain (Virtual)
Awardee: Gertrude Oforiwa Fefoame, Ghana
11th General Assembly: 2025, São Paulo, Brazi
Awardee: Ana Peláez Narvaez, Spain
Louis Braille Medal
The Louis Braille Gold Medal is the highest honor bestowed by the WBU. This prestigious medal, featuring the bust of Louis Braille, symbolizes extraordinary achievement and service within the blind and partially sighted community. Originally awarded by the European Blind Union, the Louis Braille Medal became a global honor under the WBU, highlighting its importance on an international scale.
The Louis Braille Medal is awarded to individuals who have made significant, long-term contributions to the international community of the blind or to the WBU itself. With a policy of awarding up to two medals at each General Assembly, the WBU exercises discretion in bestowing this honor, ensuring it is only awarded when a candidate’s contributions are truly exceptional. Nominations for the Louis Braille Medal can be submitted by individuals, groups, or national member organizations.
Past Awardees:
5th General Assembly: 2000, Melbourne, Australia
Awardees: Pedro Zurita, Spain; David Blyth, Australia
6th General Assembly: 2004, Cape Town, South Africa
Awardee: Arne Husveg, Norway (Posthumously)
7th General Assembly: 2008, Geneva, Switzerland
Awardee: Dr. Euclid Herie, Canada
8th General Assembly: 2012, Bangkok, Thailand
Awardee: Mr. Jawahar Lal Kaul, India
9th General Assembly: 2016, Orlando, USA
Awardee: Maryanne Diamond, Australia
10th General Assembly: 2021, Madrid, Spain (Virtual)
Awardee: Dr. Walton “Aubrey” Webson, Antigua and Barbuda
11th General Assembly: 2025, São Paulo, Brazi
Awardee: Christopher Friend , United Kingdom
Honorary Life Members
The Honorary Life Membership is a special award given by the WBU to honor people who have made outstanding contributions to improving the lives of blind and partially sighted individuals around the world. This award recognizes those who have shown exceptional commitment and service, helping to inspire ongoing support and advocacy for the blind community.
In addition to recognizing exceptional contributions, the Honorary Life Membership also grants recipients a role in the governance of the WBU. Honorary Life Members are entitled to participate and vote at the WBU General Assembly, allowing them to actively shape the future direction and initiatives of the organization.
For a link to current Honorary Life Members please visit the Membership page. To view the names of Honorary Life Members who are no longer with us, please visit the Memorial Roll of Honorary Life Members.
Scholarships
The WBU is proud to offer five scholarships aimed at empowering individuals who are blind or partially sighted. With a special focus on supporting those from developing countries, these scholarships are designed to provide opportunities for personal and professional development, enabling recipients to pursue educational achievements and enhance their leadership skills. Through this initiative, the WBU is committed to fostering inclusivity and accessibility in education, helping to build a brighter future for all.
– Barbara Marjeram Braille Literacy Scholarship for Blind Women and Girls in Developing Countries – eligibility: women and girls 14 – 30 years old
– Gerald Dirks Scholarship for Advancement of Braille Literacy and Post-Secondary Education for Blind and Partially Sighted Persons – eligibility: individuals who are blind or partially sighted between 18 – 35 years old
– Mary Hochhausen Prize for Music and Braille Literacy – Eligibility: young blind and partially sighted persons, 18 – 35 years old, or qualifying organizations
– Pedro Zurita Youth Fund – eligibility: individuals who are blind or partially sighted who are 15 – 30 years old
– Hermoine Grant Calhoun Fund for Blind women and girls studying in their own country – eligibility: women and girls who are blind or partially sighted who are at least 16 years old
Please visit each scholarship page to discover specific background and eligibility criteria. In order to make the application process as simple as possible, we have developed one common application form which you can access here. All completed applications should be sent via email to the WBU office at: scholarships@wbu.ngo. Applications can be received throughout the year and will be reviewed following March 31st of each year for distribution prior to September.
Your generous support for our scholarship programs is greatly appreciated. Donations can be conveniently made online via Canada Helps. Alternatively, you may also contribute via cheque or wire transfer. For detailed information on how to direct your donation to the specific scholarship fund of your choice, please contact the WBU office at info@wbu.ngo. Every contribution helps us continue our mission to empower individuals who are blind or partially sighted.