HELDEN AWARD Nov. 4, 2025

Cathrin Schauer-Kelpin was awarded the 2025 Heroine Award—the Alice Schwarzer Foundation has been presenting the award to “exceptionally courageous women” since 2023.

Alongside her, Stuttgart social worker Sabine Constabel—chairwoman of SISTERS e.V.—will also be honored. She has been helping women leave prostitution for over 30 years and is a strong advocate for their rights.

"Thank you for this wonderful honor. It represents all those heroines whose suffering on the margins of our society is still overlooked or tolerated.

Those whose human dignity is permanently and irretrievably violated.

I want to continue to be loud, courageous, and show solidarity for them.

Because: Human beings are not commodities!"

– Cathrin Schauer-Kelpin

This award is not only a great moment for Cathrin, but also a sign that the voice of KARO e.V. is being heard – and that our collective commitment to combating forced prostitution and protecting women and children is becoming visible.