Deadline: April 30, 2018
The Women’s World Summit Foundation (WWSF) invites nominations for its 24th annual Prize for women’s creativity in rural life. The Prize honors and awards creative and courageous women and women’s groups around the world working to improve the quality of life and empower rural communities.
Since inception of the Prize program in 1994, 432 Laureates have been honored for their courage, commitment and creativity with a cash award of US$ 1000. The WWSF Women’s World Summit Foundation – an international, non-profit, humanitarian NGO, serving the implementation of women and children’s rights and the UN development agenda.
The Prize aims to draw international attention to laureates’ contributions to sustainable development, food security and peace, thus generating recognition and support for their initiatives and projects. While rural women are vital in providing examples of sound practices 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 leaders and their work, innovations and experiences enhancing the quality of rural life, WWSF participates in empowering rural women in their contribution to end rural poverty, improve gender equality, and advance women’s rights to peace and well-being.
Prize
Between 5 to 10 prizewinners will again be selected in 2018 and will be announced to prizewinners and the media on 1 October and celebrated on 15 October – International Day of Rural Women.
Winners will receive a cash award of US$ 1000.
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 candidates may be presented by the same person/organization in the same year. The nominator commits, if possible, to organize an award ceremony if the candidate is selected for the Prize and invites the local and/or national media.
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
- Supporting the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals
- Actively participating, if possible, in the annual WWSF 17 Days Campaign for the Empowerment of rural women andtheir communities 1-17 October with one or several topics.
Application
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.
- At least 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 candidate for possible publication
> Download the Nomination Form 2018
For more information, visit WWSF Prize for Women’s Creativity in Rural Life.
