Assita Kanko wins the Atheist of the Year 2023 award in Amsterdam as a freethinker

On 11 November 2023, Assita Kanko was named the Atheist of the Year by the Dutch Freethinkers Association The Free Thought (Vrijdenkersvereniging De Vrije Gedachte). Kanko was praised for her unbridled commitment to reduce suffering in the world and to enhance or uphold individual freedom. “Anyone who thinks it is redundant to talk about freedom is wrong,” Assita said at the award ceremony.

In the words of the late Etienne Vermeersch, the association reiterates: “This brave woman has managed to break free from an oppressive situation on her own, and she has reached a status where she can enjoy life without worry. But that is not enough for her. From this comfortable position, her sense of responsibility has increased even more, as has the need for solidarity with those countless other women who are still oppressed in various ways.”

Make your own choices

Kanko is honoured to receive the award. “You are born within a religion, but you make your own choices as a citizen. I have made that choice: I believe that our laws are above religion, traditions and culture. That is certainly not always easy. I get a lot of insults and threats,” says Assita Kanko.

Freedom is under threat

That is why this prize is particularly rewarding. “This touches me enormously,” Kanko continues. “You make me feel that I am not alone. Anyone who thinks it is redundant to talk about freedom is wrong. Our freedom is threatened by extremists and the road to critical thinking is seriously blocked today. Freedom can cease to exist just like that. Without warning. It is also about freedom for the people of tomorrow.”