Nemati shortlisted for International Women’s Day Recognition Award

Zahra Nemati has been shortlisted for the 2018 International Women’s Day Recognition Award which will be announced on International Women’s Day on 8 March, the day before the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony, after a record number of nominations was received by the International Paralympic Committee.

Zahra changed the view of women in Iranian society with achievements that include two Paralympic titles and three world titles, most recently from the 2017 World Archery Para Championships in Beijing, China.

At London 2012, she made history by becoming the first Iranian woman to win gold at either Games, and she won local hearts in Rio  in2016, competing in both the Olympics and Paralympics.

Nemati has made a name for herself as a world-class archer and rolemodel for women’s empowerment through sport, and is a United Nations Ambassador for women with disabilities. 

The IPC’s Women in Sport Committee compiled the shortlist for the 2018 Award after IPC members nominated individuals who embody the spirit of the Paralympic Movement and inspire women within it. Committee chairperson Rita van Driel is a former World Archery officer.

The award winner will now be voted on by the full committee.

The United Nations International Women’s Day takes place annually and sees organisations, groups and individuals marking the day by raising awareness of the role of women in society.