Awarded since 1994 by WWSF Women's World Summit Foundation - an
international, non-profit, humanitarian NGO, serving the implementation
of women’s and children’s rights and the UN development agenda - the
Prize ($ 1000 per laureate and $ 3000 for specific African women’s
organisations), honors women and women's groups around the world
exhibiting exceptional creativity, courage and commitment for the
improvement of the quality of life in rural communities (375 prizes
awarded so far). The Prize aims to draw international attention to
laureates' contributions to sustainable development, household food
security and peace, thus generating recognition and support for their
projects. While rural women are vital in providing examples of sound
practice in their communities, they still do not have full access to
tools needed for development, such as education, credit, land rights and
participation in decision making. By highlighting and awarding creative
development models, innovations and experiences enhancing the quality
of rural life, WWSF participates in addressing the eradication of rural
poverty, gender mainstreaming and women’s empowerment.
Eligibility
- Nominees should be women and women’s groups currently active in rural life whose efforts have not yet been acknowledged by other awards. They may not nominate themselves.
- The nominating organization or individual must have direct experience of the nominee's work. The nominator may not nominate a family member, be a member of the nominated organization, nor can an organization nominate its senior officer (i.e. founder, president etc.). No more than 3 nominees may be presented by the same person/organization in the same year. The nominator commits to organize an award ceremony if the candidate is selected for the Prize and invite the media.
Nominations must include the following items:
- Original signed letter of nomination indicating how the nominator knows the nominee and for how long.
- Biographical data on the nominee (full name, age, education, place of work, background) and a detailed history of the nominee's creative project (written by the nominator) including her motivation, innovative aspects, any obstacles overcome, and the impact in the community. Nominations must specify whether the nominee has received or is currently being nominated for other awards.
- Two original and signed endorsement letters from organizations or individuals other than the nominator and, if possible, additional supporting materials such as newspaper articles or publications.
- A few labeled photographs clearly showing the nominee(s) for possible publication.
Criteria
The long-term impact of the Prize depends on the integrity of the
nominators and the quality of their nominations. The Prize is an award
for successful accomplishments rather than a fund for future projects.
The nominee's history (2-3 pages) should demonstrate the creativity,
courage and sometimes sacrifice in her efforts at the grass roots to
improve life in rural communities. Descriptions should be as specific as
possible.
Any of the following elements should be emphasized:
- Exceptional courage and perseverance in improving rural life
- Creativity in the approach
- Preservation of and respect for the environment
- Continuing impact on the community
Laureates are selected by an international Jury composed of WWSF
Board of Directors; are announced officially in September and celebrated
in their countries on 15 October – International Day of Rural Women.
WWSF has a commitment to award annually 5 to10 creative rural women and
women's groups around the world.
WWSF Women’s World Summit Foundation
11 avenue de la Paix
1202 Geneva, Switzerland
E-mail: wwsf@wwsf.ch
11 avenue de la Paix
1202 Geneva, Switzerland
E-mail: wwsf@wwsf.ch
Nomination materials should arrive no later than 30 April through the post. E-mail nominations are not accepted.
Prize Nomination Form
Download the nomination form in Pdf format (135 Kb)
