Nomination Guidelines
Next prize awards in 2008
the implementation of women’s and children’s rights - the Prize ($500.- per laureate et $ 3000.- for 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 (317 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 organisation 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 organisation, nor can an
organisation 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 organise 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 organisations 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
on 1 September and celebrated on 15 October - World Rural Women's Day - at a special award ceremony in
Geneva. Several prize winners are invited to attend the celebration personally. WWSF has a commitment to
award annually 15-20 creative rural women and women's groups around the world. To read about the laureates,
visit our web site www.woman.ch
WWSF Women’s World Summit Foundation, 11 avenue de la Paix, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
E-mail: info@wwsf.ch Web www.woman.ch
Nomination materials should arrive no later than 31 March through the post.
Prize Nomination Form
download the nomination form in Pdf format (30 Kb)
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