Recognising leaders in gender mainstreaming across Africa
Companies enter. Individuals are nominated. Together we celebrate real, measurable progress toward gender equality in the private sector.
There is no cost to enter.
This year's awards
More than representation — real change
The Gender Mainstreaming Awards, an initiative of Business Engage, were created to drive real change — recognising and rewarding private-sector companies and individuals committed to advancing diversity, fostering inclusion, and cultivating a true sense of belonging in the mainstream of business.
With categories tailored to every stage of an organisation's journey, there is a place for every company — whether you are just starting out or already making bold strides.
A category for every stage of the journey
Why enter the GMA?
Pan-African reach
Compete across East, West and Southern Africa.
Rigorous, fair judging
Independent expert panels score against transparent criteria.
Recognition that matters
Be celebrated as a champion of gender mainstreaming.
Free to enter
No cost to submit. Finalists attend the awards ceremony.
How the awards work
Enter or nominate
Companies enter themselves; outstanding individuals are nominated. It is free to take part.
Eligibility & vetting
Each entry is screened against the category criteria to confirm it qualifies for judging.
Independent judging
Expert panels score every entry against transparent, weighted criteria — written and interview rounds.
Celebrated on stage
Finalists and winners are honoured at gala ceremonies across East, West and Southern Africa.
Moments from the awards
From gala dinners and cultural celebration to standing ovations — a night honouring Africa's gender champions.
Celebrating Africa's gender champions
Each year, the finest companies and individuals advancing gender mainstreaming are honoured at the Gender Mainstreaming Awards events across East, West and Southern Africa.
View the resultsBeing recognised at the Gender Mainstreaming Awards gave our diversity and inclusion work the credibility it deserved — and the momentum to go further. It is so much more than a trophy.
Mainstreaming gender is good business
Diverse, inclusive organisations are more resilient, more innovative and more profitable. The GMA shines a light on the companies and leaders turning that belief into measurable action.
- Benchmark your progress against a transparent, criteria-based framework.
- Gain independent, expert validation of your diversity & inclusion strategy.
- Join a pan-African community of organisations driving real change.
Championing gender mainstreaming in the private sector for over 20 years.
In partnership with
Key dates, GMA 2026
Ready to be recognised?
Enter your organisation or nominate an outstanding individual today.
Enter the Awards