The entries for nominations in the Women in ICT-Partnership for Change Awards close on August 9. Adjudication will then commence to shortlist candidates.

This year marks the second edition of the awards, a joint initiative between Kagiso Media and ITWeb’s Brainstorm. It seeks to accelerate women’s participation in the ICT sector by celebrating and rewarding professionals who have made a significant contribution to the growth and development of the sector. It also aims to attract children and young aspirant female professionals to consider a profession in the industry and enhance the industry’s employer value proposition. Mapula Bodibe, executive for consumer business unit at MTN South Africa, says: “We are delighted and encouraged with the overwhelming response we have received from both the private and public sector and institutions of learning. What was equally impressive is the calibre and quality of nominations received which showed the depth of women talent in the ICT sector. We are looking forward to the adjudication process, which promises to become a daunting challenge for the judging panel.” Nominees will be shortlisted in the following categories:  Leadership recognition award: recognises senior female executives in the ICT sector whose proven depth of experience in leading change, influencing business outcomes and leading teams has impacted positively on the organisations they lead. Innovator Recognition award: recognises women who have introduced new methods, ideas, or products that are contributing to the delivery of a bold new digital world.  SME recognition award: recognises wholly-owned, women-run enterprises that are viable businesses making inroads in the ICT sector, and will be extended to internal employees who also run businesses on the side, using ICT to enable their businesses. Graduate award (high schools): recognises a top ICT graduate from a high school who finished top of their class. The award is open to females who graduated in the immediate year preceding the awards ceremony.   Graduate award (tertiary): recognises a top ICT graduate from a tertiary institution who finished top of their class. The award is open to females who graduated in the immediate year preceding the awards ceremony.   Community builder recognition award: recognises a woman who has made a considerable difference in her community through ICT, or has used an ICT tool to make a difference in the community. Lifetime achiever recognition award (Women pioneer): recognises a woman who has longstanding success in the ICT industry, has demonstrated a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit, and has continually stayed ahead of the curve.  Excellence in ICT journalism award: this category recognises a journalist who has contributed immensely to creating a better understanding of the ICT industry through reporting.  CEO’s award: this award recognises an MTN employee that has made a difference within the organisation with the use of ICT and Technology. Ministerial recognition award: this category gives the minister the opportunity to use their discretion to nominate a female ICT professional whose contribution has helped to bridge the digital divide and facilitate access to telecommunication services. This year a new category known as the public choice award has been introduced. This category gives members of the public the opportunity to nominate an outstanding female professional in the ICT sector using an SMS platform.