The 2005 honoree was Sociology Professor, Dr Mounira M. Charrad (from the University of Texas at Austin), a most suitable recipient of an inaugural Award named after the Father of Sociology. In addition, Dr Charrad's Book "States and Women's Rights" does honor the intellectual legacy of Ibn Khaldoun. The Book is considered by many, all over the World, as an original contribution in gender studies, and a scholarly analysis of kinship, family law and women's rights in the Maghreb.

Her research and writing have contributed to bringing a better understanding of Tunisian society, history, and culture to American universities, students, and educated public. Her classes helped students dispel misconceptions about Tunisia. The public lectures she had given in several universities such as Princeton, Michigan, Berkeley, Harvard, and the University of Texas have brought attention to Tunisia about which even well informed Americans often know little and which they are glad to understand better.

 Her publications have emphasized the exceptional accomplishments of Tunisia with respect to women's rights and gender issues.This has been a consistent theme of her work and especially of her book, STATES AND WOMEN'S RIGHTS, for which she has received the recognition of her peers in the academic world in several disciplines ranging from sociology to political science and history.