Awards

Clapping hands

Honors and Awards

The work of KARO e.V. and the dedication of Cathrin Schauer (Kelpin) have received widespread recognition both nationally and internationally.

  • 2002 – “Women of Europe – Germany” Award for Cathrin Schauer and Ludmilla Irmscher (European Movement)
  • 2002 – “German Speech of the Year on Europe” for Cathrin Schauer
  • 2005/2006 – Nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize (project “1000 Women”)
  • 2008 – “Woman of the Year in the Vogtland Region”
  • 2011 – Honorary membership in the Women’s Network for Peace e.V.
  • 2012 – Appointed “Katharina Ambassador” (City of Torgau)
  • 2013 – Nomination for the German Engagement Award
  • 2016 – Awarded the taz Panter Prize by KARO e.V.
  • 2018 – Featured in the startsocial campaign “MitMenschen”
  • 2018 – Nomination for the Engagement Award of the Saxony State Women’s Council
  • 2018 – Awarded the SchlussStrich e.V. Prize for her work against child abuse and forced prostitution
  • 2020 – Schwarzkopf Million Chances Award (Start-up / Female Empowerment category) for KARO e.V.
  • 2025 – Hero Award from the Alice Schwarzer Foundation for Cathrin Schauer-Kelpin
  • 2026 – Saxon Constitutional Medal for Cathrin Schauer-Kelpin

Personal recognition and appreciation

In addition to the numerous awards she has received, Cathrin Schauer played a key role in raising public awareness of the sexual exploitation of children and women through her book *Kinder auf dem Strich* (2003). Other scholarly publications also underscore the long-standing recognition and professional expertise of KARO e.V.

European Woman Award Nomination

 

The European Woman Award is a European award that honors exceptional commitment to social responsibility, gender equality, and human rights. The program highlights initiatives and organizations whose work generates lasting impact.

KARO e.V. was nominated for its long-standing commitment to combating human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and violence. The nomination underscores the importance of the organization’s work as well as the international recognition of its efforts to protect and support victims.