Women Empowerment
Awards in China
The Women Empowerment Awards in China, created by the Women Empowerment Council, is an independent and inclusive award program and not associated with any one company or institution.
The awards seek to recognize trailblazing individuals and innovative companies that have demonstrated a robust commitment to promoting women in the workforce and taking actions to effectively advance gender equality which can drive stronger business outcomes.
2023 Finalists
Statement of Impartiality
The Women Empowerment Awards in China is initiated by the Women Empowerment Council (WEC) and aims to uphold integrity and full transparency in the judging process. Although WEC members can nominate individuals and their company in the award categories, the WEC members and staff are not involved in the judging process. There is no preferential treatment for WEC members and WEC staff are not allowed to submit nominations.
Judging Process: All nominees are first evaluated by an independent and qualified consultant with no affiliation to WEC or its members. The consultant has access to the contact information of each nominee to properly follow up and vet nominations as necessary, and will shortlist the top five (highest scores based on criteria rubric). The names and companies of the five nominations in each category are removed before sending them to the assigned judges (11 qualified, impartial and not affiliated with WEC or its members). Each judge evaluates the top five nominees in their category according to the same rubric and scores them. Each category has three judges who will meet as a panel to compare their nominee scores, and discuss and deliberate before choosing the finalists (2) and winner. The judging panels will draft a statement clearly outlining the reasons for selecting the winner in each category. The winners in each category will only be revealed at the Women Empowerment Awards in China Ceremony.
The Process
Submit Nomination Form
April – June
Nominate yourself or nominate someone / a company who you think fits the criteria
Consultant Shortlists Nominations
July
Our qualified consultant will vet each nomination and follow up with nominees to gather additional information as necessary
Judges Confirm Finalists
August
The three judges per category will review the top five nominations provided by the consultant and confirm the top three finalists
Winners Are Announced
September
The winners of each category will be announced at the Women Empowerment Awards in China Ceremony
Categories & Criteria
This is an award to celebrate women who are advancing gender equity at the grassroots level whether it’s through their local school, volunteer group, or any other community organization.
Criteria
Commitment
Demonstrates commitment and has dedicated a number of years to actively working for the empowerment of women.
Initiative & Engagement
Initiates outstanding work to empower women or girls. A large share of her work within the organization is directly related to leading activities helping women.
Outcomes & Effectiveness
Provides qualitative and quantitative examples of the impact of her work.
Excellence & Influence
Achieved recognition and is clearly a leader in her field. Examples may include but are not limited to media coverage, published in journals, community recognition, etc. The more impartial the source the better.
Nomination Form Questions
- How many years has the candidate has been involved in promoting the advancement of women in the community. Please briefly explain some of the ways she has made an impact, e.g. initiated programs, influenced decision makers, etc.
- Please describe how the candidate’s work is directly related to the empowerment of women and or girls. If she has initiated the work, please be sure to describe and document this. Please indicate how she leads the activities or to what degree she is involved with these actions. When possible, it is important to give detailed examples. If there are multiple examples, please describe them.
- Please share any and all outcomes of the programs and initiatives mentioned previously and include links, testimonials, or statistics when appropriate.
- Women who have a strong reputation and influence in their communities are often in a better position to bring about change in society. Please describe the level of influence which the candidate currently holds. Do not hesitate to document position and influence by including or citing publications and awards.
This is an award to celebrate women who have founded their own business or organization and are using their platform to advance gender equity.
Criteria
Founding
Founded an influential, fast-growing enterprise which values the advancement of gender equity and supports women’s empowerment across the business. Demonstrates commitment and has dedicated a number of years to actively working for the empowerment of women.
Initiative & Engagement
Demonstrates her actions through policies and programs, e.g. leads and incorporates DEI in company vision and policies and training.
Outcomes & Effectiveness
Provides excellent examples with qualitative and quantitative results and impact, e.g. mentorship, coaching, sponsorship, DEI or ERG engagements.
Excellence & Influence
Achieved recognition and is clearly a leader in her field. Examples may include but are not limited to media coverage, published in journals, community recognition, etc. The more impartial the source the better.
Nomination Form Questions
- Please provide more details on the candidate’s organization’s:
– Influence in the local business community
– Growth rate
– Impact on advancing gender equity
– Internal promotion of women - How does the candidate advocate for women’s promotion and development within her professional and broader sphere? Please list specific examples, e.g. does she coach, mentor or sponsor women? Is she actively engaged in employee resource groups? Does she lead DEI KPIs and training? If so, briefly provide examples of the engagements as well as the outcomes.
Please share any and all outcomes of the programs and initiatives mentioned previously and include links, testimonials, or statistics when appropriate.
Women who reach higher or senior levels of influence in their organization are often in stronger positions to bring about change throughout the organization. Please describe the level of influence which the candidate currently holds. Do not hesitate to document position and influence by including or citing publications and awards.
This is an award to celebrate women who are leveraging their senior positions to advance gender equity in the corporate world.
Criteria
Commitment & Longevity
Demonstrates commitment and has dedicated a number of years of her corporate/business experience specifically empowering women and addressing gender equity in the company.
Initiative & Engagement
Demonstrates her actions through policies and programs, e.g. mentorship, coaching, sponsorship, DEI or ERG engagements.
Outcomes & Effectiveness
Provides excellent examples with qualitative and quantitative results and impact, e.g. mentorship, coaching, sponsorship, DEI or ERG engagements.
Excellence & Influence
Holds a position of influence within an organization or company and has achieved recognition. Examples may include but are not limited to media coverage, professional / industry / community recognition, etc. The more impartial the source the better.
Nomination Form Questions
- How many years has the candidate has been involved in promoting the advancement of women within her professional career? Please briefly explain some of the ways she has made an impact within the organization, e.g. initiated programs, influenced decision makers, etc.
- How does the candidate advocate for women’s promotion and development within her professional and broader sphere? Please list specific examples, e.g. does she coach, mentor or sponsor women? Is she actively engaged in employee resource groups? Does she lead DEI KPIs and training? If so, briefly provide examples of the engagements as well as the outcomes.
Please share any and all outcomes of the programs and initiatives mentioned previously and include links, testimonials, or statistics when appropriate.
Women who reach higher or senior levels of influence in their organization are often in stronger positions to bring about change throughout the organization. Please describe the level of influence which the candidate currently holds. Do not hesitate to document position and influence by including or citing publications and awards.
This is an award to celebrate the male allies who are advocating for their female colleagues and advancing gender equity in the corporate world.
Criteria
Commitment & Longevity
Demonstrates commitment and has dedicated a number of years of his corporate/business experience specifically empowering women and addressing gender equity in the company.
Initiative & Engagement
Demonstrates his actions through policies and programs, e.g. mentorship, coaching, sponsorship, DEI or ERG engagements.
Outcomes & Effectiveness
Provides excellent examples with qualitative and quantitative results and impact, e.g. mentorship, coaching, sponsorship, DEI or ERG engagements.
Excellence & Influence
Holds a position of influence within an organization or company and has achieved recognition. Examples may include but are not limited to media coverage, professional / industry / community recognition, etc. The more impartial the source the better.
Nomination Form Questions
- How many years has the candidate has been involved in promoting the advancement of women within his professional career? Please briefly explain some of the ways he has made an impact within the organization, e.g. initiated programs, influenced decision makers, etc.
How does the candidate advocate for women’s promotion and development within his professional and broader sphere? Please list specific examples, e.g. does he coach, mentor or sponsor women? Is he actively engaged in employee resource groups? Does he lead DEI KPIs and training? If so, briefly provide examples of the engagements as well as the outcomes.
- Please share any and all outcomes of the programs and initiatives mentioned previously and include links, testimonials, or statistics when appropriate.
- Men who reach higher or senior levels of influence in their organization are often in stronger positions to bring about change throughout the organization. Please describe the level of influence which the candidate currently holds. Do not hesitate to document position and influence by including or citing publications and awards.
This is an award to celebrate the grassroots organizations that are advancing gender equity whether it’s an NGO/Non-profit, school, or any other community organization.
Criteria
Vision & Targets
Established and measures clear targets for advancing gender equity.
Policies & Governance
Implements policies and frameworks that address gender equity targets.
Programs & Initiatives
Engages senior leadership in programs in initiatives that address gender equity targets.
Outcomes & Effectiveness
Provides excellent examples with qualitative and quantitative results and impact of programs and initiatives against gender equity targets.
Nomination Form Questions
Does the organization have gender equity targets? If so, please indicate if these targets are specific to senior leadership, new hires, etc. Please also share how progress is measured, how often, and if any progress reports are publicly available.
How has the organization integrated gender equity in its policies and governance? Does the organization offer flexible work arrangements for its employees? Can you describe some of the policies and frameworks which guide employee expectations, set up reporting processes, hold stakeholders accountable, etc?
What actions are the organization taking to advance gender equity? Please list the programs/actions by the organization, e.g. employee resource groups, coaching, mentorship, and sponsorship programs, or any other employee assistance programs? Who are the drivers or owners of these programs?
- Please list all the programs and activities the organization currently drives and the percentage of which are specifically targeting gender equity.
This is an award to celebrate the SMEs that are dedicated to empowering women and innovatively advancing gender equity.
Criteria
Vision & Targets
Established and measures clear targets for advancing gender equity.
Policies & Governance
Implements policies and frameworks that address gender equity targets.
Programs & Initiatives
Engages senior leadership in programs in initiatives that address gender equity targets.
Outcomes & Effectiveness
Provides excellent examples with qualitative and quantitative results and impact of programs and initiatives against gender equity target
Nomination Form Questions
Does the organization have gender equity targets? If so, please indicate if these targets are specific to senior leadership, new hires, etc. Please also share how progress is measured, how often, and if any progress reports are publicly available.
How has the organization integrated gender equity in its policies and governance? Does the organization offer flexible work arrangements for its employees? Can you describe some of the policies and frameworks which guide employee expectations, set up reporting processes, hold stakeholders accountable, etc?
What actions are the organization taking to advance gender equity? Please list the programs/actions by the organization, e.g. employee resource groups, coaching, mentorship, and sponsorship programs, or any other employee assistance programs? Who are the drivers or owners of these programs?
- Please share any and all outcomes of the programs and initiatives mentioned previously and include links, testimonials, or statistics when appropriate.
This is an award to celebrate the MNCs that are driving gender equity and inspiring the greater business community.
Criteria
Vision & Targets
Established and measures clear targets for advancing gender equity.
Policies & Governance
Implements policies and frameworks that address gender equity targets.
Programs & Initiatives
Engages senior leadership in programs in initiatives that address gender equity targets.
Outcomes & Effectiveness
Provides excellent examples with qualitative and quantitative results and impact of programs and initiatives against gender equity targets.
Nomination Form Questions
Does the organization have gender equity targets? If so, please indicate if these targets are specific to senior leadership, new hires, etc. Please also share how progress is measured, how often, and if any progress reports are publicly available.
How has the organization integrated gender equity in its policies and governance? Does the organization offer flexible work arrangements for its employees? Can you describe some of the policies and frameworks which guide employee expectations, set up reporting processes, hold stakeholders accountable, etc?
What actions are the organization taking to advance gender equity? Please list the programs/actions by the organization, e.g. employee resource groups, coaching, mentorship, and sponsorship programs, or any other employee assistance programs? Who are the drivers or owners of these programs?
- Please share any and all outcomes of the programs and initiatives mentioned previously and include links, testimonials, or statistics when appropriate.
Nominations Are Now Closed
Our panel of judges for each award category are now meeting to determine the top three finalists, including one winner.
For more information on this year’s Women Empowerment Conference and Awards, please click below.