Who inspires you? Now tell us why.

We all know an inspiring woman and how many times have we thought: “She should be nominated for an award” The question is – did you actually nominate her?

Too often we assume somebody else will do it. Or we think we don’t know enough about her. Or we simply never quite get around to it. But taking just 10–15 minutes to nominate an inspiring woman could mean far more to her than you realise.

At the Inspiring Women Awards, every woman nominated is contacted to let her know. The reaction is often one of genuine surprise and delight. Sometimes, simply knowing that someone noticed what she does, values her contribution and took the time to put her name forward is recognition in itself.

And for those who go on to become finalists and winners, the impact can be even greater.

Lucy Hope, 2026 Entrepreneur Award Winner and Founder of The Daughters of Mars, described what that recognition meant to her:

The 2026 Inspiring Women Awards was exceptional – genuinely one of those days that reminds you why you started. The collective energy in a room filled with inspiring women was incredibly powerful.

To be recognised in the Entrepreneur category for the work we are doing at The Daughters of Mars was a moment of validation and pride that I still struggle to put into words. For 34 years, the Inspiring Women Awards have celebrated women determined to make a difference, and it is a real honour to now stand within that extraordinary lineage.

 

“To have our mission seen, celebrated and championed means more to me than I can say.”

That is what a nomination can do. It says: I see you and what you are doing matters.

 

In 2027, the Inspiring Women Awards celebrates 35 years of giving remarkable women a platform to be seen, heard and celebrated.

There are seven award categories, recognising women making a difference in business, entrepreneurship, communities, sustainability and beyond.

So think about the women you know. The woman quietly making things happen. The entrepreneur taking risks. The community champion changing lives. The role model who inspires others without ever thinking of herself as inspirational.

Don’t just tell her she deserves an award. Nominate her – It could be the best 10–15 minutes you spend this year.

Nominations are easy, and there are tips on the nomination page to help you make your nomination stand out. Closing date for the 2027 Inspiring Women Awards is midnight on 31 December 2026.

Details and tickets for the 35th annual Inspiring Women Awards lunch are available here.