AWARDS CATEGORIES #PWL MEA 2025

The Premier Women Middle East & Africa 2025 awards will recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of women across various industries and sectors. These categories highlight the contributions of women who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and excellence in their respective fields.

Award Categories

Detailed definitions and selection criteria for each of the Premier Women Middle East & Africa Awards categories:

1. Woman of the Year (Agriculture and Agro-Processing)

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.

2. Woman of the Year (Architecture/Design & Decor)

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.

3. Woman of the Year (Aviation)

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.

4. Woman of the Year (Education)

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.

5. Woman of the Year (Authorship and Creative Writing)

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.

6. Woman of the Year (Banking and Finance)

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.

7. Woman of the Year (Beauty and Lifestyle)

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.

8. Woman of the Year (Environmental and Climate Sustainability)

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.

9. Woman of the Year (Community Development)

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.

10. Woman of the Year (Consultancy and Professional Services)

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.

11. Woman of the Year (Energy/Oil and Gas)

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.

12. Woman of the Year (Event Management/Planning)

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.

13. Woman of the Year (Food/Catering and Beverage)

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.

14. Woman of the Year (Fashion)

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.

15. Woman of the Year (Family Business)

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.

16. Woman of the Year (Governance and Government Agencies)

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.

17. Woman of the Year (Health and Wellness)

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.

18. Woman of the Year (Human Resource and Development)

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.

19. Woman of the Year (Hospitality)

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.

20. Woman of the Year (Insurance)

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.

21. Woman of the Year (Media/Telecommunications/Tech)

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.

22. Woman of the Year (Marketing and Advertising)

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.

23. Woman of the Year (Real Estate)

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.

24. Woman of the Year (Retail and E-Commerce)

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.

25. Woman of the Year (Transport and Logistics)

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.

Honorary Categories

Visionary CEO of the Year (Women in Leadership)

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.

Entrepreneur of the Year

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.

Leadership in Corporate Governance (Female Leaders)

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.

Female Founder of the Year

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.

Female Trailblazer in Entrepreneurship

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.

Innovative Business Woman of the Year

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.

Leadership in Innovation for Sustainability

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.

Sustainability Leadership by a Woman

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.

Women Driving Climate Action

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.

Best Organization for Women’s Leadership Development

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.

Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion (Female 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.

Leading Woman in Employee Engagement

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.

Champion of Female Empowerment in the Workplace

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.