Detailed definitions and selection criteria for each of the Premier Women Middle East & Africa Awards categories:
Definition: This category honors a woman who has demonstrated
excellence in advancing the agricultural and agro-processing
sectors, contributing to innovation, sustainability, and food
security.
Criteria:
• Leadership in agricultural innovation and sustainable farming.
• Contributions to food processing, safety, and packaging.
• Impact on local and global supply chains.
• Promoting environmental sustainability in agriculture.
Definition: This award recognizes a woman who has made exceptional
contributions to the fields of architecture, design, and décor,
creating functional, aesthetic, and sustainable spaces.
Criteria:
• Excellence in design and architectural innovation.
• Impact on urban development, sustainability, and aesthetics.
• Leadership in promoting inclusive design principles.
• Contributions to architectural education or mentoring.
Definition: Recognizes a woman who has significantly impacted the
aviation industry, whether through leadership, safety innovations,
or operational excellence.
Criteria:
• Leadership in aviation safety and efficiency.
• Contributions to the advancement of aviation technology and
innovation.
• Impact on improving the passenger experience.
• Commitment to fostering diversity within the aviation workforce.
Definition: This award honors a woman who has made significant
contributions to education, including policy reforms, innovative
teaching methods, and advancing access to quality learning.
Criteria:
• Contributions to improving educational systems and access.
• Leadership in curriculum development and teacher training.
• Dedication to the empowerment of students, particularly
marginalized groups.
• Promoting educational equity and inclusive learning environments.
Definition: Recognizes a woman author or creative writer whose work
has contributed to the literary world, shaping culture and inspiring
others through storytelling.
Criteria:
• Publication of impactful, original works.
• Contributions to cultural dialogue through writing.
• Influence in advocating for social issues through literary
work.
• Support for emerging voices in literature.
Definition: This category celebrates a woman who has led innovations
in banking, finance, and investment, driving economic growth, and
promoting financial inclusion.
Criteria:
• Leadership in advancing financial services or banking
solutions.
• Expertise in financial management, investment, or corporate
governance.
• Contributions to increasing financial inclusion and literacy.
• Impact on corporate social responsibility initiatives within the
finance sector.
Definition: Recognizes a woman who has had a transformative
influence on the beauty and lifestyle industries, promoting
wellness, sustainability, and innovation.
Criteria:
• Leadership in launching or managing beauty and lifestyle
brands.
• Contribution to promoting wellness, health, and personal care .
• Advocacy for sustainable practices in the beauty industry.
• Impact on social trends and consumer behavior.
Definition: This award honors a woman who has demonstrated
exceptional leadership in environmental conservation,
sustainability, and addressing climate change.
Criteria:
• Leadership in sustainable environmental practices and policies.
• Innovation in climate change mitigation strategies.
• Active role in advocacy or research related to environmental
protection.
• Impact on corporate and public sector sustainability initiatives.
Definition: Recognizes a woman who has had a profound impact on
community development, improving the lives of people through social,
economic, or educational initiatives.
Criteria:
• Leadership in impactful community development projects.
• Advocacy for social equity, healthcare, and community
well-being.
• Contributions to empowering marginalized or underserved
populations.
• Innovation in creating sustainable community solutions.
Definition: This award honors a woman who has demonstrated
excellence in consultancy and professional services, driving
industry growth and offering innovative solutions.
Criteria:
• Expertise and leadership in providing strategic consultancy
services.
• Contributions to business development, operational efficiency, or
performance improvement.
• Advocacy for ethical business practices and corporate
responsibility.
• Recognition as a leader in her field of consultancy or
professional services.
Definition: Recognizes a woman in the energy sector, particularly in
oil and gas, who has made significant strides in promoting energy
innovation, sustainability, and security.
Criteria:
• Leadership in the management or production of energy resources.
• Innovation in energy sustainability or oil/gas extraction
technology.
• Contributions to policy reforms or corporate governance in
energy.
• Dedication to minimizing environmental impacts of energy
production.
Definition: Honors a woman who has demonstrated exceptional
leadership in organizing and planning large-scale events, providing
memorable experiences and ensuring operational excellence.
Criteria:
• Leadership in organizing high-profile and impactful events.
• Excellence in project management, logistics, and client
relations.
• Innovation in event design, marketing, and execution.
• Commitment to sustainability in event planning.
Definition: Celebrates a woman whose contributions to the food,
catering, and beverage industry have demonstrated excellence in
culinary arts, sustainability, and service innovation.
Criteria:
• Leadership in food and beverage innovation, product quality, or
catering excellence.
• Contribution to promoting healthy, sustainable eating
practices.
• Impact on the global food and hospitality industries.
• Advocacy for sustainable sourcing and environmental
responsibility.
Definition: This award honors a woman whose work in fashion has had
a lasting impact on the industry, driving creativity, diversity, and
sustainability.
Criteria:
• Innovation in fashion design, trends, or brand management.
• Contributions to sustainable and ethical fashion practices.
• Influence in shaping fashion industry trends.
• Impact on empowering women through fashion and self-expression.
Definition: Recognizes a woman who has excelled in leading or
managing a family business, ensuring growth, stability, and
continuity across generations.
Criteria:
• Leadership in family business succession and strategy.
• Innovation in business operations or market expansion.
• Dedication to maintaining family values while modernizing the
business.
• Contributions to preserving family legacies in business.
Definition: This award honors a woman who has demonstrated
outstanding leadership and governance within government or public
sector agencies.
Criteria:
• Leadership in governance, policy-making, or public
administration.
• Contributions to improving transparency, accountability, and
public service delivery.
• Advocacy for social equity and gender equality in governance.
• Active involvement in international policy frameworks.
Definition: Recognizes a woman who has had a significant impact on
health and wellness, driving improvements in healthcare delivery and
promoting physical and mental well-being.
Criteria:
• Leadership in healthcare or wellness initiatives.
• Contribution to advancing public health through policy, research,
or education.
• Advocacy for mental health awareness and prevention.
• Influence in shaping wellness trends and lifestyle choices.
Definition: Honors a woman who has shown exceptional leadership in
human resource management, driving organizational growth,
development, and employee engagement.
Criteria:
• Leadership in HR strategy and talent management.
• Contributions to employee well-being, engagement, and
organizational culture.
• Innovations in HR technology, performance management, or diversity
initiatives.
• Advocacy for workforce development and leadership training.
Definition: This award honors a woman who has demonstrated
outstanding leadership in the hospitality industry, creating
exceptional customer experiences and promoting service
excellence.
Criteria:
• Leadership in hotel management, customer service, or tourism.
• Contributions to sustainability and cultural awareness in
hospitality.
• Impact on shaping trends and innovation in the industry.
• Dedication to improving the global tourism and hospitality
sectors.
Definition: Recognizes a woman who has made a significant impact in
the insurance industry through leadership, innovation, and
commitment to customer satisfaction.
Criteria:
• Leadership in driving product development, customer service, or
industry innovations.
• Contributions to improving insurance access and financial
protection.
• Advocacy for risk management and corporate governance.
• Impact on advancing the insurance industry’s regulatory framework.
Definition: This award celebrates a woman in media,
telecommunications, or technology who has made groundbreaking
contributions to her field and demonstrated leadership in driving
change and innovation.
Criteria:
• Leadership in tech, media, or telecommunications.
• Innovation in digital transformation or technology solutions.
• Advocacy for diversity and inclusion in tech industries.
• Influence on the future of media and technology.
Definition: Honors a woman whose achievements in marketing and
advertising have transformed brand strategy, customer engagement,
and market performance.
Criteria:
• Innovation in marketing campaigns and brand development.
• Contributions to data-driven marketing and consumer insights.
• Leadership in promoting ethical marketing and advertising
practices.
• Impact on building brand loyalty and consumer relationships.
Definition: Recognizes a woman who has excelled in the real estate
industry, contributing to sustainable development, property
management, or urban regeneration projects.
Criteria:
• Leadership in real estate development, management, or
investment.
• Contribution to sustainable building and environmental
considerations.
• Impact on urban development and community regeneration.
• Promotion of affordable housing and real estate accessibility.
Definition: Honors a woman who has made significant strides in
retail and e-commerce, driving innovation, customer satisfaction,
and business growth.
Criteria:
• Leadership in retail or e-commerce innovation.
• Contributions to customer experience and online shopping
trends.
• Impact on improving supply chain management or logistics.
• Influence in promoting sustainability and corporate responsibility
in retail.
Definition: This award honors a woman whose contributions to the
transport and logistics sectors have advanced operations, supply
chain efficiency, and innovation.
Criteria:
• Leadership in transportation, logistics, or supply chain
management.
• Contribution to improving operational efficiency and customer
satisfaction.
• Impact on safety standards and regulatory frameworks in
logistics.
• Advocacy for green logistics and sustainability practices.
Definition: This category honors a female CEO who has demonstrated
visionary leadership, steering her organization to new heights
through innovation, strategic growth, and resilience.
Criteria:
• Leadership in driving long-term business vision and success.
• Innovative approach to overcoming challenges.
• Excellence in decision-making, organizational growth, and
sustainability.
Definition: This award celebrates a female entrepreneur who has
founded and successfully grown a business, showing remarkable
entrepreneurial spirit, vision, and success.
Criteria:
• Proven success in creating and scaling a business.
• Innovation in business model or product/service.
• Positive impact on the community or industry.
Definition: Awarded to a female leader who has made significant
contributions to enhancing corporate governance within her
organization, ensuring accountability and ethical practices.
Criteria:
• Strong commitment to ethical leadership.
• Proven experience in improving corporate governance structures.
• Impact on long-term organizational sustainability.
Definition: This category honors a female founder whose company has
made significant strides in its industry, demonstrating leadership,
growth, and innovation.
Criteria:
• Innovation and vision in business creation.
• Success in building and scaling the business.
• Contribution to job creation and economic growth.
Definition: Recognizes a pioneering female entrepreneur whose
innovative ideas and ventures have disrupted or transformed
industries.
Criteria:
• Groundbreaking approach to business.
• Leadership in setting new industry standards.
• Demonstrable influence in shaping business trends.
Definition: This award celebrates a female leader who has
demonstrated outstanding innovation in her business practices,
product development, or service offerings.
Criteria:
• Introduction of new, innovative ideas or products.
• Ability to drive change within the business or industry.
• Impact on growth, market leadership, or operational efficiency.
Definition: Awarded to a woman who has driven sustainable innovation
within her company or industry, focusing on solutions that address
environmental or social issues.
Criteria:
• Proven impact in driving sustainability initiatives.
• Innovative approach to addressing global challenges (e.g., climate
change, social inequality).
• Clear results or measurable impact from sustainability projects.
Definition: Awarded to a female leader who has made significant
contributions to promoting sustainability within her organization or
industry.
Criteria:
• Demonstrable leadership in sustainability practices.
• Successful implementation of sustainable strategies.
• Significant environmental or social impact.
Definition: Recognizes a female leader who has made significant
strides in addressing climate change through innovative solutions,
advocacy, or policy.
Criteria:
• Leadership in climate change awareness, solutions, or policy.
• Success in creating or driving climate action projects.
• Measurable impact on the environment or climate policy.
Definition: Awarded to the organization that has demonstrated the
best practices in promoting and developing women leaders.
Criteria:
• Creation and implementation of leadership development programs for
women.
• Success in promoting female leaders within the organization.
• Positive impact on the career progression of women in leadership.
Definition: Recognizes a company or leader who has successfully
created and implemented diversity and inclusion programs with a
focus on women’s leadership.
Criteria:
• Successful implementation of diversity and inclusion
strategies.
• Impact of the programs on company culture and leadership
representation.
• Measurable results in fostering diversity and inclusion in
leadership roles.
Definition: Awarded to a female leader who has shown exceptional
ability in engaging and motivating her team, resulting in a positive
and productive workplace culture.
Criteria:
• Leadership in developing and maintaining high employee
engagement.
• Positive impact on employee satisfaction and retention.
• Demonstrable improvements in company culture through employee
engagement.
Definition: Recognizes a female leader who has worked tirelessly to
champion women’s rights and empowerment within the workplace.
Criteria:
• Advocacy for policies supporting female empowerment.
• Successful programs or initiatives that foster gender equality at
work.
• Impact on workplace culture, retention, and diversity.