Rania Elias
Our latest recipient of the Keychange Inspiration Award is Palestinian activist and cultural sector expert, Rania Elias, presented at Oslo World 2023. Rania has played an essential part in promoting culture, freedom of speech and the rights of women in Palestine. From 1998-2022, Rania served as the Director of the Yabous Cultural Centre in Jerusalem, whose expertise lay with local and international public relations, business management, events management, project coordination and funding. Rania has also authored several published articles and has contributed to vital studies through her work as a field researcher. A tireless activist, Rania is also involved in many voluntary actions, including social work dealing with various human rights violations.
Read the full Oslo World jury statement on why Rania was selected, here.
During her time as the Director of the Yabous Cultural Centre, Rania's vision ensured that the programming encompassed a unique theme, which consequently defined the character and atmosphere of the Jerusalem festival. The festivals have featured renowned Palestinian, Arab, and international artists.
Rania’s work has also seen her volunteer in various women's groups demanding women's rights in Palestine. Throughout Rania’s work in the cultural sector, she organised various programmes and events focusing on, and engaging women, including festivals, exhibitions, and International Women’s Month. In doing so, her work seeks to empower women and girls to bring about change and promote equality, through lobbying and influencing campaigns to change laws and promote equality and freedom. Rania continues to highlight humanitarian principles and give women a role through culture in all aspects of her work.
Rania is also on the board of trustees of several organisations and networks, both Palestinian and international. A natural advocate, Rania is often an invited speaker for international and local conferences dealing with cultural issues in Palestine.
"The Keychange Inspiration award honours and celebrates women and gender expansive talent who have made extraordinary and pioneering contributions to music. Women that are role models for the next generation.
Throughout the last three decades, this year's recipient has played an essential part in promoting culture, freedom of speech and the rights of women in Palestine. She has been a fieldwork researcher, author of several published articles and has contributed to vital studies. She has also been involved in voluntary social work dealing with various human rights violations. "
- Oslo World Jury