Prize for women's creativity in rural life
Awarded since 1994 by WWSF Women’s World Summit Foundation, Geneva
 
WWSF Women's World Summit Foundation, 11 Avenue de la Paix, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
Tel.:  +41  (0) 22 738 66 19    Fax:  +41 (0) 22 738 82 48  Website:  www.woman.ch
 
Nomination Guidelines
Prize for women’s creativity in rural  life
Next prize awards in 2008
 
Awarded since 1994 by WWSF Women's World Summit Foundation - an international, non-profit NGO serving the implementation of women’s and children’s rights - the Prize ($500 each) honors women and women's groups around the world exhibiting exceptional creativity, courage and commitment for the improvement of the quality of life in rural communities (283 prizes awarded so far). The Prize aims to draw international attention to laureates' contributions to sustainable development, household food security and peace, thus generating recognition and support for their projects. While rural women are vital in providing examples of sound practice in their communities, they still do not have full access to tools needed for development, such as education, credit, land rights and participation in decision making.  By highlighting and awarding creative development models, innovations and experiences enhancing the quality of rural life, WWSF participates in addressing the eradication of rural poverty, gender mainstreaming and women’s empowerment.
 
Eligibility
•  Nominees should be women and women’s groups currently active in rural life whose efforts have not yet been acknowledged by other awards.  They may not nominate themselves.
• The nominating organisation or individual must have direct experience of the nominee's work.  The nominator may not nominate a family member, be a member of the nominated organisation, nor can an organisation nominate its senior officer (i.e. founder, president etc.).  No more than 3 nominees may be presented by the same person/organization in the same year. The nominator commits to organising an award ceremony if the candidate is selected for the Prize and to invite the media.
 
Nominations must include the following items:
¶  Original signed letter of nomination indicating how the nominator knows the nominee and for how long.
•  Biographical data on the nominee (full name, age, education, place of work, background) and a detailed history of the nominee's creative project (written by the nominator) including her motivation, innovative aspects, any obstacles overcome, and the impact in the community.  Nominations must specify whether the nominee has received or is currently being nominated for other awards.
¸  Two original and signed endorsement letters from organisations or individuals other than the nominator and, if possible, additional supporting materials such as newspaper articles or publications.
¹  A few labeled photographs clearly showing the nominee(s) for possible publication.
 
Criteria
The long-term impact of the Prize depends on the integrity of the nominators and the quality of their nominations.  The Prize is an award for successful accomplishments rather than a fund for future projects.  The nominee's history (2-3 pages) should demonstrate the creativity, courage and sometimes sacrifice in her efforts at the grass roots to improve life in rural communities.  Descriptions should be as specific as possible.
 
Any of the following elements should be emphasized:                    
 
*   Exceptional courage and perseverance in improving rural life
*   Creativity in the approach
*   Preservation of and respect for the environment
*   Continuing impact on the community
 
Laureates are selected by an international Jury composed of WWSF Board of Directors; are announced officially on 1 July and celebrated on 15 October - World Rural Women's Day - at a special award ceremony in Geneva. Several prize winners are invited to attend the celebration personally.  WWSF has a commitment to award every two years 20 or more creative rural women and women's groups around the world. To read about the laureates, please visit our web site www.woman.ch  
 
 
Please kindly note our new address:
WWSF Women’s World Summit Foundation, 11 Avenue de la Paix, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland