We believe that strong leadership by women is needed at all levels. Given the impact the pandemic is having on the lives of women and girls, we celebrate the leadership that these women have shown. The World YWCA celebrates these women who are leading change in their communities.

The Women Leading Change Award honours the leadership and extraordinary efforts of community women and organisations that demonstrate outstanding impact and innovation in responding to HIV and AIDS. The awards highlight exceptional leadership in the areas of promoting or implementing HIV and AIDS prevention programmes; providing access to treatment; care and support; policy and advocacy; addressing gender inequality; addressing stigma and discrimination and innovative leadership.

An International Review Panel reviewed the awards. This panel consisted of 12 individuals who brought to the awards geographic diversity and a range of expertise relevant to the Women Leading Change Award categories. The process was chaired by Sandra Thurman, President of the International AIDS Trust at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University.