Presented in collaboration with Sunday World and The African Storyteller.

This initiative recognises ordinary women delivering extraordinary impact to communities, workplaces, business, academia, and everyday life. Intentionally giving recognition to women from all walks of life, women on the ground and in our communities, whose contributions often go unseen but are deeply felt.

Nominations span a broad range of categories designed to reflect the many spaces where ordinary women are driving change. The awards recognise women working in many different parts of life and society.

CATEGORIES

There are seven categories, and you can nominate in as many as you like. You can even nominate yourself:

1. Women in Education, Research and Knowledge Leadership
2. Women in Community Impact and Social Change
3. Women in Entrepreneurship, Business and Innovation
4. Women in Law, Governance and Human Rights
5. Women in Technology, Digital Transformation and Science
6. Women in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
7. Women in Engineering, Infrastructure and the Built Environment
8. Women in Health, Wellness and Life Sciences
9. Women in Public Leadership and Policy
10. Women in Creative Industries, Sports and Cultural Excellence

NOMINATION PROCESS   

• Nominations are open across all provinces.

• Nominations may be submitted by individuals, organisations, community groups, professional associations, beneficiaries, or the nominee herself.

• All nominations will undergo an independent editorial review process to assess impact. achievements, and contribution.

CATEGORIES

There are ten nomination categories, and you can nominate as many women as you wish across all our country’s provinces. You may also nominate yourself!

1. 1. 1. Women in Academia
      2. Women Nurturing in the Community
      3. Women in Business and Industry
      4. Women in Law
      5. Women in ICT and Science
      6. Women in Agriculture
      7. Women in Construction and Engineering
      8. Women in Healthcare
      9. Women in the Public Sector
      10. Women Defining Sports, Arts and Culture

NOMINATION FORM

Deadline for nominations is July 12, 2026

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

• A motivation of 300- 500 words demonstrating measurable impact over a minimum period of three years.

• Three testimonials from beneficiaries, community leaders, colleagues, partners, or stakeholders
who have directly experienced the nominee’s impact. Testimonials from immediate family members will not be accepted.

• Supporting evidence is to be attached (photographs, media coverage, project reports, awards, references, or letters of support).

General Terms And Conditions

These following terms and conditions for purposes of entry shall apply:

1. 1. 1. An individual can self-nominate or choose to nominate an individual belonging to their community or workplace whom they believe has an exceptional leadership ability. Heroic Woman works for the good and betterment of the economy and the nation.
      2. Your nomination must include the following: a. Name and surname of the nominee and their contact details. b. Your name and contact details (the nominator). c. An explanation in about 200 words why the Heroic Woman should be celebrated. Please clearly explain what they do that has inspired your nomination.
      3. Your nomination will be forwarded to your nominee who must then furnish and verify details and prove date of birth.
      4. The nominee will then be requested to provide further information in relation to their nomination. It is the responsibility of the nominee to ensure that the information provided is accurate and complete. If any of the information provided by the nominee in relation to this project is found to be inaccurate, invalid, false, or misleading, such an entry shall be disregarded, and the nominee will be prohibited from participation.
      5. It is the nominator’s responsibility to ensure that the entry is received by Sunday World  prior to the closure of the project on Sunday,12 July 2026. Any entries not received by Sunday World prior to the closure of the competition will not be eligible to participate, regardless of the reasons of late entry. Sunday World  is not responsible for any entries that are not received by Sunday World, whether timeously or at all, regardless of the cause thereof.
      6. Sunday World is not responsible for any injury or damage to your or any other’s person’s device used to enter into, or obtain any material related to this project.
      7. A panel from various fields will assess the entries and select  Sunday World’s Heroic Women for 2026.
      8. The successful nominees will be notified by means of the contact details provided to Sunday World. All nominees that are chosen will be invited to an event to celebrate their recognition as a Sunday World Heroic Woman, 2026
      9. In addition, all Heroic Women will receive a 3-month eEdition subscription to Sunday World.
      10. Sunday World reserves the right to vary, postpone, suspend, or cancel the project or any aspect thereof without notice at any time, for any reason which we deem necessary. In the event of such variation, postponement, suspension, or cancellation, you (the nominee and/or nominator) agree to waive any rights, interests, and expectations that you may have in terms of this project and acknowledge that you will have no recourse against Sunday World.
      11. You agree that your participation in the project and your acceptance or any aspect thereof is at your own risk.
      12. The decision of the judges/assessors is final and binding on you, and no correspondence will be entered into.