Inclusive Action Awards

Our Awards celebrate SMEs in emerging markets advancing gender equality in their workforce, leadership, or customer base.

Learn About Our Two Award Tracks: 

Global

Open to SMEs creating positive impact for women based in low- and middle-income markets (except for Mexico).

Global Award applications are now closed.

Open to SMEs creating positive impact for women based in Mexico.

Big thanks to all applicants to the Global Awards!

The Global Awards journey has been incredible. We've been truly inspired by hundreds of SMEs—from Kenya to India—who are creating more and better opportunities for women.

What’s next?

Our jury is now reviewing the applications, and we’ll announce the winner and finalists during an online ceremony in June.

Award benefits include:

  • $5,000 USD cash prize for the winner

  • International recognition and media exposure

  • Inspire others and showcase your impact

Meet Our Global Judging Panel

  • Jacqueline Novogratz

    Founder & CEO, Acumen

  • Jessica Espinoza

    Jessica Espinoza

    CEO, 2X Global 

  • Simon Meier

    Simon Meier

    Director, BII Plus, BII 

  • Rebecca Fries

    Rebecca Fries

    CEO, Value for Women

Meet Our Mexico Judging Panel

  • Carmen Correa

    Carmen Correa

    CEO, Pro Mujer

  • Salua Garcia Fakih

    Salua Garcia Fakih

    CEO, Symplifica

  • Rebecca Fries

    Rebecca Fries

    CEO, Value for Women

  • Paula Zembrano

    MSME Lead, IDB Invest

  • Diego Serebrisky

    Founding Manager Partner, Dalus Capital

Apply to Our Mexico Award

Inclusive Action Awards FAQ

  • The Inclusive Action Awards celebrate small and medium enterprises (SMEs) making significant strides in gender inclusion within their workforce, leadership, and customer base. The awards recognise innovative actions and measurable results that drive gender equality.

  • To be eligible for the Inclusive Action Awards, organisations must meet the following eligibility criteria:

    • Size and Growth Stage: Be a growth-stage company with under 250 employees.

    • Gender-Inclusive Practices: Demonstrate a track record of gender-inclusive practices.

    • Registration and Standing: Be registered and in good standing with local authorities.

    • Organisational Type: Not be a government entity, public organisation, or faith-based organisation with discriminatory objectives.

    • Geographic Scope: For the Global Award, operate in low- or middle-income countries, with a focus on Africa and Asia. For the Mexico Award, be based and/or operating in Mexico.

    • Global Award: Open to SMEs in emerging markets globally.

    • Mexico Award: Open to SMEs based and/or operating in Mexico.

    • Global Award: $5,000 cash prize, certificate, recognition via a virtual event, and media visibility.

    • Mexico Award: $5,000 cash prize, certificate, recognition at the GLI Forum Latam, and discounted access to the Forum, with additional media visibility.

  • Applications will be submitted via an online form through our application portal.

    • Applications open: January 29, 2025

    • Applications close:
      Global Award: April 10, 2025
      Mexico Award: April 17, 2025

    • Judging period: April-May 2025

    • Winner announcements: June 2025 (Global Award) and June 10-12, 2025 (Mexico Award)

  • Winners are selected by an expert panel based on scoring criteria, with additional consideration for narrative and alignment with the awards' mission.

    For more information and to apply, visit the awards application portal.