Why the Global Women of Choice Exists
The Global Women of Choice Awards was engineered by SHE-LEAPS™ to recognise structural power.
Awardees are selected based on demonstrated leadership (within institutions, industries, or systems), verifiable outcomes, reforms, or value creation, influence that extends beyond personal brand or momentary visibility, and alignment with global leadership, governance, and development priorities. This recognition is grounded in documentation, not self-promotion.
Relationship to the Global Women Leadership Index
The Global Women of Choice Awards are institutionally aligned with the Global Women Leadership Index, SHE-LEAPS™’ independent leadership documentation and benchmarking framework. The Index captures, evaluates, and tracks women’s leadership impact over time, while the Awards formally recognise exemplary leadership records that meet or exceed index benchmarks
This alignment ensures that recognition is: comparable, defensible, longitudinal, and credible within policy, media, and institutional ecosystems
The Review & Recognition Process
All recognitions follow a structured, multi-stage process:
Call for Documentation
Leadership records, impact evidence, and institutional roles are submitted or compiled.
Independent Review
Submissions are assessed against defined leadership and impact criteria.
Institutional Validation
Approved records are formally documented and archived within the Global Women of Choice framework.
Recognition & Record
Institutional Validation
Approved records are formally documented and archived within the Global Women of Choice framework.
The Coucil of Influence
The Council of Influence represents an honorary, editorial, recognition of women whose lifetime contributions have redefined leadership, culture, and global impact.
This recognition is non-competitive, and conferred as a matter of institutional record.
It does not imply endorsement, affiliation, or participation unless expressly stated.
Rihanna (Robyn Fenty)
Tarana Burke
Serena Williams
Dr. Awele V. Elumelu OFR
Indra Nooyi
Melinda French Gates
Why This Recognition Matters
The Global Women of Choice Awards exist to correct the imbalance between women’s labour and women’s authority, create formal leadership records where none previously existed, support institutional memory, policy engagement, and global benchmarking, and move women from visibility to validated influence
Seasons
Nominations
Recipients
All honourees receive these exclusive benefits:
Opportunities for Future Recognition:
Automatic eligibility for inclusion in our prestigious Top 50 lists and other promotional opportunities.
Added Benefits
- A verifieable badge on BadgR.
- A digital award certificate
- Award statue for every honoree.
- Complimentary biography video
- Presentation of an Acceptance Speech
Who becomes a Global Woman of Choice?
A Global Women of Choice Award is confered on women whose choices shape industries, cultures and sectors. They score high in:
Meet our Honourees
Michelle Ngome
Shanel Evans
Terri Levine
Dr. Alisa Whyte
Dani Wallace
Lea Jovy Ford
Lucy Power
Xian Nancy Breckenridge
Yolanda Schmidt
Nokuthula Gavaza
Rachel Peru
Reema-Diab
Salwa-Abdul-Hadi
Whitney-McQuade
Jennifer-Sutherland
…
Nominate a Woman of Choice
If you know a woman whose leadership and decisions are shaping meaningful impact today, we invite you to submit a nomination for consideration. Women may be considered through institutional referrals, independent documentation calls, and curated reviews by the Global Women of Choice Council.
All recognitions are subject to review standards and documentation requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get nominated?
You can either self-nominate or be nominated by someone who recognizes your contributions and achievements.
What happens after I’m nominated?
Once a nomination is submitted, it undergoes a vetting process to ensure it meets our criteria. This process takes a few days, and you will be notified whether your nomination has been accepted or declined.
How are honourees determined?
Prizes are awarded based on the scores assigned by the judges. Each score reflects the nominee’s alignment with the values and mission of the Global Women of Choice Awards.
When and where are the awards presented?
The awards will be presented at a Gala Night, an event that celebrates the outstanding achievements of our winners. Details about the March 2026 event, including date and time, will be announced in due time. Honourees will give a virtual acceptance speech.
Who can nominate someone for the awards?
Anyone can nominate a deserving woman, including peers, institutions, or the public. Self-nominations are also welcomed.
Is there a fee to submit a nomination?
No, submitting a nomination is free of charge.
What criteria do the judges use to evaluate nominations?
Judges assess nominations based on factors such as impact, innovation, leadership, alignment with our core values, and the nominee's contributions to their field or community.
Can I nominate more than one person?
Yes, you can submit nominations for multiple individuals, provided each nominee meets the eligibility requirements.
Will the nominees' information be shared publicly?
Nominees' information will remain confidential until their acceptance is confirmed and they consent to being publicly announced.