Champion Awards

Background

For the first time, Afghan men and women who have tirelessly promoted women’s leadership in government and private sector will be recognized. This will be done through the Champion Awards, which will be launched on July 15, 2018.

The Champion Awards is a long-term plan to identify and recognize women empowerment supporters, and in so doing, accelerate societal and institutional acceptance and support for women’s active participation in society. An ‘ideal’ champion is a man or woman who has demonstrated significant leadership in promoting and advancing the role of women in the public sector and the society at large.

The initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Women Affairs (MoWA), and supported by the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled (MoLSAMD), selected civil society organizations, and other governmental and non-governmental organizations including youth groups, and academia.

Who may apply for Champion Awards?

• Men and women from the government or private sector in Kabul, Herat, Balkh, Kandahar, and Nangarhar who have made significant efforts in promoting women’s leadership
• Citizens of Afghanistan (persons living abroad are not eligible)
• At least 18 years of age
• An individual may apply or be nominated only once

Who may not apply?

• Leaders and/or members of political parties
• Members of the Champions Initiative screening committee
• Members of the Champions Initiative selection committee

What are the award categories?

There are two categories of the Champion for Women in Government Awards: Government Sector Awards and Private Sector Awards. Below are the criteria for each category.

Category I. Government Sector Awards

A person meeting the following criteria, may apply or be nominated under the Government Sector Awards category:

Criteria 1A	Demonstrated commitment to support women
Criteria 1B	Championed building women’s capacity in public policy making and procedures
Criteria 1C	Established women friendly working environment
Criteria 1D	Personal influence
Criteria 1E	Willingness to be publicly recognized
Criteria 1F	Should not have been a recipient of an award and has not been recognized for his/her efforts in gender development in the past 10 years
Criteria 1G	Preference will be given to applicants and nominees who have striven to support women despite their limited resources, cultural and security constraints and lack of government/political connections or support
Criteria 1H	A person cannot be selected as champion if he/she who has worked on women empowerment projects but has not provided access to basic rights to the women in their own families; Champions should have started the change from their own families first
Criteria 1I	The champion should have a good image in society and/or the organization in which he/she is working

Category 2. Private Sector Awards

By meeting the following criteria, a person may apply or be nominated for the Private Sector Awards category:

Criteria 2A	Social and community impact
Criteria 2B	Willingness to stand for women
Criteria 2C	Demonstrated personal courage and leadership
Criteria 2D	Personal influence
Criteria 2E	Willingness to be publicly recognized
Criteria 2F	Should not have been a recipient of an award and has not been recognized for his/her efforts in gender development in the past 10 years
Criteria 2G	Preference will be given to those who have striven to support women despite their limited resources, cultural and security constraints and lack of government/political connections or support
Criteria 2H	A person cannot be selected as champion if he/she who has worked on women empowerment projects but has not provided access to basic rights and freedom to the women in their own families; Champions should have started the change from their own families first
Criteria 2I	The champion should have a good image in society and/or the organization in which he/she is working

What will the Champion receive?

1. Recognition and an award: An award ceremony will be held in Kabul and will be attended by dignitaries from the government and international organizations. The main outcome of this award is to recognize the Champions for the work they have done supporting women in Afghanistan, as well as promote support of women leaders through social media and traditional media.
2. Certificate: Champions will be awarded a certificate appreciating their courage and work
3. Other awards: gifts from sponsors (TBD) such as capacity development trainings

Required Documents:

The person applying or being nominated should submit the following documents;

• Completely filled out application form and supporting documents
• Copy of applicant’s or nominee’s national ID
• Reference letter from the Nominator
• Links to the applicant’s social media, if available

Disqualification:

Applicants will be disqualified from any further evaluation for the following reasons:

• Failure to provide the complete documents listed above
• Conflict of interest and non-adherence to the process requirements, such as not submitting all the required documents
• Presenting misleading or false information or erroneous supporting documents
• Inability to provide sufficient documentation for review as requested
• Unethical behavior including any criminal background

Methods of Application

1. Direct Application: An individual can apply directly for the Champion for Women in Government Awards.
2. Referral Nomination: An individual may be nominated by another person such as the director of an organization where he/she is currently working or has worked in the past or his/her immediate supervisor.

How to Apply?

1. Those who meet the criteria and live and work in Kabul, Herat, Balkh, Kandahar, and Nangarhar are invited to apply by sending their applications via e-mail to: communications@promotewig.com.
2. A confirmation email will be sent once application is received.

Application Deadline: August 14, 2018

To apply for the Champion Awards, individuals must have the following qualifications: Afghan citizens living in the country; must be at least 18 years

Application forms and details of the Champion Awards are available at the MoWA office in Kabul and in the provinces. They may also be downloaded from www.mowa.gov.af  or via the following link:

http://www.epd-afg.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/1-Champion-Awards-Application-Form_English.doc