|
HISTORY • JUDGING PROCESS • AWARD CATEGORIES • CRITERIA FOR NOMINEES History
South African women have long been at the forefront of achieving political and social equality in our country. They have worked passionately over many years for the upliftment and increased prosperity of their families and communities. In recognition and celebration of this Shoprite Checkers decided in 1996 to introduce the Woman of the Year Award for South Africa.
The Award was the first major initiative for National Woman’s Day after Government decided to honour woman every year on the anniversary of the biggest mass-gathering of women in South Africa on 9 August 1956. On this day 20 000 women marched in silence to protest the carrying of passes.
Since its inception the Award has identified and paid tribute to the country’s unsung heroes, and presented them as role models to the rest of South Africa. The Award has also brought into focus the many issues that women grapple with, issues that often make life a daily struggle.
The Award pays tribute to the most exceptional and achieving women in the country who have not only achieved success in their own respective fields but who have made a tangible difference in communities and society as a whole.
Over the past thirteen years the Award has grown to enjoy national status as the pre-eminent award for women.The tremendous interest shown by South Africans in the Award, the growth in the number and quality of nominations, as well as the support by prominent South Africans for the objectives of the Award, attests to the growth in its stature.
|
|
 |