Woman of Stature Awards goes national with new format and expanded categories
A bold new era has begun for the Woman of Stature Awards as the 2026 season introduces regional nominations, expanded industry categories, and a nationwide call to celebrate women breaking boundaries across South Africa.
The Woman of Stature (WOS) Awards, one of South Africa’s most influential platforms for honouring female excellence, officially launched its 2026 nomination season on August 15 at a glittering media event hosted at Hotel Sky, Sandton.
Now in its 11th year, the awards are entering a transformational phase, expanding their reach and relevance with a new regional nomination model and the addition of four industry categories, all designed to ensure that women from every province and professional sector can be recognised.
Read more: A new class of women of wonder awarded in Sandton
WOS founder and CEO Charlotte du Plessis said: “This year isn’t just about adding more names to a list; it’s about expanding the platform so more women, especially those in previously overlooked industries and regions, have the opportunity to shine.”
For the first time, nominations will be accepted and assessed regionally, starting with Cape Town and then moving across other provinces.
Regional winners will then proceed to the national stage, increasing visibility and accessibility for women making an impact in their local communities and beyond.
The new format is expected to significantly boost engagement, with organisers predicting over 800 nominations, a jump from the previous season’s 700+. This reflects the growing appetite for authentic, inclusive recognition of women’s achievements across South Africa.
“We’re not just awarding success; we’re awarding impact,” said Du Plessis. “This platform is for women who are building, creating, leading, and serving in ways that move the country forward.”
Awards categories for the 2026 season:
• Entrepreneur of the Year,
• CEO of the Year,
• Woman in Arts and Culture,
• Woman in Automotive,
• Woman in Coaching and Mentoring,
• Woman in Community,
• Woman in Education and Training,
• Woman in Engineering and Mining,
• Woman in Financial Services,
• Woman in Health & Wellness,
• Woman in Legal Services,
• Woman in Logistics,
• Woman in Media & Journalism,
• Woman in MICE, Tourism & Hospitality,
• Woman in Property, and
• Woman in Technology.
Each nominee will go through a rigorous evaluation process, designed to identify not just achievement, but authentic leadership and purpose-driven impact. “Anyone can nominate, even self-nominations are welcome,” added du Plessis. “If you know a woman breaking boundaries in her field, or creating waves in her community, visit Wosawardsglobal.com and share her story.”
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