Award categories and descriptions

Impact in Industry Award

Recognises a woman who makes an enduring commitment and impact within their industry that brings significant and lasting change. It highlights the commitment, innovation and leadership required to produce impactful outcomes within an industry.

Impact in the Community Award

Recognises a woman whose work creates positive change and transformative impact on their community. It highlights a contribution that brings real change to improve the lives of community members by fostering equality and diversity while demonstrating what can be achieved through purposeful action.

Aboriginal Impact Award

Recognises an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander woman who consistently contributes, advocates and challenges the status quo, achieving a shared vision for the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community, striving for equity, parity, and non-discrimination of her peers.

Impact on ending Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence

Recognises a woman who has contributed tirelessly towards working to end Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence. It highlights the time, skills and dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of those impacted by DFSV, and demonstrates a commitment to long-term social change and a future free of violence for all SA women and girls.

Eligibility requirements

Candidates must fulfill the following requirements to participate in the SA Women of Impact Awards;

• Women who have made a significant contribution to the South Australian community in any field
• Must reside in South Australia
• Cannot receive a future second award in the same award category, but can be considered for recognition in a separate category in following years
• Unsuccessful nominees can be re-nominated in subsequent years
• Nominations made by next of kin will be required to be made jointly with a third party not related to the nominee
• Nominees must be aged 18 years or over
• Posthumous nominations will be accepted
• Women who have not been recognised in other ways will be weighted higher than those who have already received significant recognition, honours or awards.

Selection criteria

Candidates must demonstrate the following:

• Active involvement in the South Australian community
• Impactful contribution to the community, based on nature, level of involvement, years of service and field of expertise or endeavour
• Long lasting effects of nominee’s contribution
• Recognition as a leader or role model in the community
• Inspirational and leadership qualities
• Innovation and creativity
• Active promotion of the advancement of women’s rights and social justice
• Special commitment to equity and diversity.

The Office for Women strongly encourages nominations of women from diverse communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, women with disability and other minority groups.

The number of successful applicants will consist of:

• One winner for each of the four award categories
• 16 finalists who will receive a certificate of acknowledgement.

The finalists and winners of the SA Women of Impact Awards will have their biographies displayed on the Office for Women website.