Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards 2026: A Prestigious Opportunity to Champion Gender Equality in Business

The 2026 Asia-Pacific Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards are officially open for applications, offering organizations across the region a powerful platform to showcase their commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community.

Organized under the framework of the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), this initiative recognizes forward-thinking businesses and leaders who are driving meaningful change and setting benchmarks for inclusive and equitable practices.

 

Key Dates and Timeline

• Applications Open: 21 April 2026
• Application Deadline: 30 June 2026
• Shortlisting Notification: July 2026 (via email)
• National Awards Ceremonies: October – November 2026
  • Held in Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam
• Regional Awards Ceremony: Early December 2026

 

About the Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards

The WEPs Awards celebrate organizations that demonstrate outstanding efforts in advancing gender equality aligned with the Women’s Empowerment Principles. These awards highlight innovative policies, impactful programs, and measurable progress toward empowering women.

Participating in the awards offers organizations an opportunity to:

• Gain regional and international recognition
• Showcase best practices and successful initiatives
• Strengthen credibility and visibility
• Inspire other organizations to adopt gender-inclusive policies

 

Who Can Apply?

Organizations from across the Asia-Pacific region are invited to apply. Applicants can submit one application and choose to compete in up to two award categories, depending on their initiatives and impact.

Applications must be submitted online, primarily in English. However, for selected countries hosting national awards, applications may also be submitted in local languages.

 

Application Structure and Evaluation Criteria

The application process is structured into three main parts:

1. Applicant Information

Basic organizational details and background information.

2. General Questions (25% of total score)

• Multiple-choice questions
• Designed to assess alignment with WEPs principles
• Focus on company policies and gender equality practices

3. Category-Specific Questions (75% of total score)

• Open-ended questions
• Require detailed descriptions of initiatives or programs
• Applicants must demonstrate impact, innovation, and sustainability

 

Supporting Documents Requirements

Applicants are encouraged to provide documentation to support their responses. While not mandatory, these documents significantly strengthen applications.

Recommended materials include:

• HR and business policies
• Annual reports
• Sustainability reports
• Program or initiative-specific reports
• Articles, photos, videos, and other multimedia

For start-ups or smaller organizations lacking formal documentation, a well-written descriptive explanation is acceptable.

All submitted materials will remain confidential and used solely for evaluation purposes.

 

How to Apply

Follow these steps to submit your application:

1. Select your preferred language and begin the online application
2. Save your progress and return later if needed (via JotForm system)
3. Complete all sections of the application
4. Submit your application online
5. Receive a confirmation email upon successful submission

Note: The “save progress” feature is not available for applications submitted through China-specific forms.

 

Why You Should Apply

Participating in the WEPs Awards is more than just recognition—it is a strategic move for organizations committed to sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Key benefits include:

• Recognition as a leader in gender equality
• Enhanced brand reputation and trust
• Opportunities for regional networking and partnerships
• Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality)

 

Final Thoughts

The Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards 2026 present a unique opportunity for organizations to highlight their commitment to empowering women and advancing equality. Whether you are a multinational corporation, SME, or start-up, your efforts can inspire change and shape a more inclusive future.

Make sure to submit your application before 30 June 2026 and take your place among the region’s most impactful organizations.

Apply here

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here
• More global Awards opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here