Women Sustainability Forum
Awards and Global Network
Recognising the people whose leadership is advancing sustainability in their communities, organisations and fields of practice.
Network
Our network by region
Meet the awardees and champions of each region and connect with the Exceptional Women in Sustainability networks (eWisely networks) on Facebook.
The Americas
Argentina · Bolivia · Brazil · Chile · Colombia · Costa Rica · Mexico · Peru · United States
Asia and the Pacific
Australia · Bangladesh · India · Indonesia · Japan · Nepal · Philippines · Sri Lanka · Thailand
Europe, the Middle East and Africa
Mozambique · Spain · Tanzania · The Gambia · Zambia
Exceptional Women in Sustainability Awards
Each year, the Exceptional Women in Sustainability Awards recognise outstanding women contributing to sustainable development through their work: hard-working visionaries who act to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
The Awards are presented at an annual ceremony during the Women Sustainability Forum, convened by WSF in collaboration with IBF International Institute for Better Futures. They are reserved for women in recognition of the gendered norms and barriers women still face, and of the extra effort women leaders invest to create impact.
Nominations are welcome from exceptional women in sustainability across the globe, with priority given to women in the 18 countries of the Exceptional Women in Sustainability network (eWisely network). Self nominations are welcome.
As awardees, women are invited to:
- Lead the Exceptional Women in Sustainability network in their home country.
- Raise funds for activities that position women at the centre of global and local sustainability agendas.
- Form partnerships for collaborative projects across the 17 SDGs, linked to SDG 5 on gender equality.
- Take an active part in the Women Sustainability Forum and the eWisely network, supporting debate in its thematic areas.
- Support women in their regions through education, entrepreneurship, leadership, employment and the innovative use of technology.
- Raise awareness among companies, government and civil society of SDG 5 and women’s sustainability issues.
Nominations
Nominate yourself
Are you an exceptional woman in sustainability? Tell us about your work and how you are contributing to create better futures. Complete the form below to nominate yourself for the Exceptional Women in Sustainability Awards.
Recipients receive the Award of Exceptional Woman in Sustainability, conferred by the Women Sustainability Forum and presented by Dr Isabel B. Franco, Global Chairperson.
Women in Sustainability photo competition
As part of your nomination, you take part in our photo competition of women in sustainability. Submit your best photo representing your work in sustainability.
- The best photos participate in our yearly photo campaign
- They are included in our yearly book, 100 Exceptional Women in Sustainability
- They are featured on the Women Sustainability Forum website
Awards
Exceptional Champions in Sustainability Awards
The Exceptional Champions in Sustainability Awards recognise inspirational futurists who have contributed significantly to sustainable development through their work, guided by an ambition for sustainable, global impact.
Titles are presented at an annual ceremony by WSF in collaboration with IBF International Institute for Better Futures. Self nominations and nominations of peers are welcome.
Champions are invited to:
- Take an active part in the international boards of WSF in collaboration with IBF International Institute for Better Futures, supporting debate in its thematic areas and creating local and international impact.
- Mobilise resources for activities that place vulnerable communities at the centre of sustainability agendas.
- Form partnerships for collaborative projects across the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
- Support and promote women in sustainability in their regions through education, entrepreneurship, leadership, employment and the innovative use of technology.
- Raise awareness among companies, government and civil society of sustainable development and broader social, environmental and economic issues.
Why champions
Gender equality needs everyone at the table
The Women Sustainability Forum exists to place women at the centre of sustainability agendas. Progress on gender equality depends on men taking part, not as bystanders or only as beneficiaries, but as allies and agents of change. Research by Catalyst suggests that the more men understand gender inequality, the more likely they are to act to close the gap. The Exceptional Champions in Sustainability Awards recognise the men and allies who choose to act.
How champions support Exceptional Women in Sustainability
Mentor and sponsor
They share knowledge, networks and opportunities, and use their influence to recommend women for leadership roles, speaking platforms and projects. Mentoring also strengthens champions’ own leadership.
Commit publicly
They make visible commitments to advance women’s leadership and hold themselves and their organisations accountable for progress.
Share responsibility
They share responsibilities at work and at home, so women have equal time and opportunity to lead, and families and teams benefit.
Speak up
They refuse to commit, excuse or stay silent about violence, harassment or discrimination against women and girls.
Rethink leadership norms
They challenge outdated ideas of leadership and manhood, and model inclusive, collaborative ways of working.
Collaborate and amplify
They co-author research, co-design projects and build partnerships with women across the Exceptional Women in Sustainability network, amplifying women’s voices rather than speaking for them.
A shared agenda
Gender equality (SDG 5) underpins every Sustainable Development Goal. When men join the conversation, it becomes a shared agenda for better futures rather than a women’s issue for women alone to solve.
In practice
Past champions have presented at the Women Sustainability Forum on why “sustainability looks like a woman”, explored gender equality as a pathway to tackle youth unemployment in Africa, and shared research and platforms with Exceptional Women in Sustainability awardees on climate education, energy and sustainable tourism.
Nominations
Nominate a champion
Nominate yourself or a peer whose work meets the criteria.
Identify a champion
Think of someone, yourself included, whose leadership advances sustainable development and supports women in sustainability.
Prepare the nomination
Describe their contribution against the five criteria: their impact, their partnerships and how they support women in their region.
Submit
Send your nomination to WSF in collaboration with IBF International Institute for Better Futures using the button below.