AWARDS CATEGORIES STRUCTURE
A. COMPETING AWARDS
1. LWA Future is Female Awards
This award celebrates women leaders who show serious leadership, resilience, and impact. It’s for those moving the needle on women’s empowerment and Africa’s development through innovation and real systemic change.
2. LWA Men Champions Awards
Started in 2015 and backed by the late Dr. Kenneth Kaunda (former President of Zambia), these awards honor men who consistently treat women as equal partners in politics, social issues, and the economy.
“The 21st century is the time for men to look at women as equal partners in political, social and economic development.” — Dr. Kenneth Kaunda
CATEGORIES LIST
I. Public Sector Category
(Individual & Institutional)
- Most Gender-Focused Head of State / PM / Speaker
- Most Gender-Focused Minister / Governor / Mayor
- Most Gender-Focused Public Institution
II. Corporate Sector Category
(Individual & Institutional)
- Most Gender-Focused CEO / Chairperson
- Most Gender-Focused Head of Procurement
- Most Gender-Focused Head of CSI
- Most Gender-Focused Corporate Institution
III. Civil Society Category
(Individual & Institutional)
- Women’s Rights Advocate of the Year
- Humanitarian Excellence Award
- Most Gender-Focused Civil Society Organisation
IV. Entrepreneurship & Youth
(Individual)
- Most Gender-Focused Entrepreneur
- Most Influential African Youth Leader
The LWA Future is Female & Men Champions Awards recognize both individuals and institutions whose leadership and policies have clearly pushed for women’s empowerment and gender equality.
I. PUBLIC SECTOR CATEGORY (INDIVIDUAL & INSTITUTION)
1. Most Gender-Focused Head of State / Prime Minister / Speaker of Parliament (1F | 1M)
What it's about: Recognizing national leaders showing real political will in fixing gender inequality through laws and governance.
Assessment Criteria:- Women in Cabinet, Parliament, and senior public service
- Giving women strategic portfolios and decision-making power
- Gender-responsive budgeting and national policies
- Public sector employment equity
- Buying from women-owned businesses
- Advocating for women’s rights and protection
2. Most Gender-Focused Minister / Governor / Mayor (1F | 1M)
Assessment Criteria:- Policies and programs that actually work for women
- Measurable impact at national or local levels
- Prioritizing budgets for women’s initiatives
- Institutional reforms that help women participate
3. Most Gender-Focused Public Institution
(National, Regional or Local Government Institution)
What it's about: For government bodies that have baked gender equality into how they work and lead.
Assessment Criteria:- Having a solid Gender Equality Policy and Action Plan
- Women in top leadership and decision-making
- Gender-responsive spending and reporting
- Procurement from women-owned enterprises
- Program impact on women and girls
- Clear accountability and evaluation
II. CORPORATE SECTOR CATEGORIES (INDIVIDUAL & INSTITUTION)
1. Most Gender-Focused CEO / Chairperson (1F | 1M)
Assessment Criteria:- Women on boards and executive committees
- Leadership pipelines and succession planning for women
- Fair workplace, parental policies, and inclusion
- Helping women suppliers and entrepreneurs
- Measurable social and economic impact
2. Most Gender-Focused Head of Procurement (1F | 1M)
- Percentage of money spent with women-owned businesses
- Supplier development and training programs
- Sustainable gender-responsive buying strategies
3. Most Gender-Focused Head of CSI (1F | 1M)
- CSI budget allocated to women-focused programs
- Scale and sustainability of funded projects
- Real community-level results
4. Most Gender-Focused Corporate Institution
(Private Company or State-Owned Enterprise)
What it's about: For companies committed to gender equality across their entire operation and supply chain.
Assessment Criteria:- Gender diversity at board and executive levels
- Gender-responsive HR and workplace policies
- Buying from women-owned businesses
- Training programs for women suppliers
- Transparent reporting on gender impact
- Long-term sustainability of initiatives
III. CIVIL SOCIETY CATEGORY (INDIVIDUAL & INSTITUTION)
1. Women’s Rights Advocate of the Year (1F | 1M)
Assessment Criteria:- Influencing policy and laws; raising public awareness
- Empowering and protecting women and girls; lasting impact
2. Humanitarian Excellence Award (1F | 1M)
Assessment Criteria:- Impact in GBV prevention, health, or education
- Innovative reach and long-term systems change
3. Most Gender-Focused Civil Society Organisation
What it's about: For organizations whose programs have delivered real, sustainable outcomes for women.
Assessment Criteria:- Strategic focus on women’s empowerment
- Program reach and measurable results
- Policy influence and advocacy
- Sustainability and strong governance
- Partnerships with government and business
IV. ENTREPRENEURSHIP & YOUTH (INDIVIDUAL)
1. Most Gender-Focused Entrepreneur (1F | 1M)
- Women in ownership and leadership
- Investing in women-owned enterprises
- Job creation and community impact
- Mentorship and skills development
2. Most Influential African Youth Leader (1F | 1M)
- Leadership innovation and influence
- Impact on women and youth advocacy
- Social transformation efforts
B. HONORARY (NON-COMPETING) AWARDS
These are awarded by LWA for exceptional lifetime contributions and strategic impact. By invitation and selection only.
1. African Individual Honorary Award
For African leaders whose vision significantly pushed gender equality, peace, and economic inclusion.
2. African Institutional Honorary Award
For African institutions (Govt, SOEs, Foundations) with a long-term commitment to gender equality.
3. International Individual Honorary Award
For global leaders or philanthropists who have made a lasting difference in Africa.
4. International Institutional Honorary Award
For global organizations whose work in Africa transformed lives for women.
JUDGING & GOVERNANCE
- Competing categories: Independent multi-sectoral panel; transparent scoring.
- Honorary categories: Selected by LWA in consultation with the Advisory Council.
- Fees: There are no nomination or application fees.
BENEFITS & ETHICS
- Participation: Continental recognition and massive visibility.
- Confidentiality: Your submissions are kept strictly confidential.
- Eligibility: No LWA sponsors or contractors can be nominated.