With International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 approaching on March 8, The Greek Herald is once again calling on the community to help recognise the ‘unsung heroines’ of Australia’s Hellenic community.
Celebrated globally each year, IWD shines a spotlight on gender equality and women’s achievements. This year’s theme, #BalanceTheScales, highlights the urgent need for fair, inclusive and accessible justice for all women and girls.
In this spirit, The Greek Herald is proud to relaunch its Women’s Awards for 2026, honouring Hellenic Australian women who embody the values of equity, leadership and service — women who inspire others and create meaningful change across community, professional, cultural and public life.
Award categories for 2026
Two award categories will again be presented in 2026:
- The Greek Herald Woman of the Year Award: Open to women aged 30 and over, this award recognises exceptional leadership, innovation and contribution across community, professional, cultural and public life. These women embody excellence, resilience and a commitment to making a lasting difference.
- The Woman to Watch Award: Open to women under 30, this category celebrates emerging leaders who are already creating impact and shaping the future. These rising stars represent the next generation of trailblazers within the Greek Australian community.
Both awards aim to highlight women who embody the spirit of #BalanceTheScales — those who challenge barriers, inspire others and contribute meaningfully to the lives of people around them.
Speaking on the launch of the 2026 awards, Andriana Simos, Digital Editor at The Greek Herald, said the initiative remains central to the publication’s commitment to storytelling and representation within the Hellenic Australian community.
“The Greek Herald Women’s Awards are about recognising women whose contributions often happen quietly but have a profound and lasting impact,” Miss Simos said.
“By honouring both established leaders and emerging voices, we hope to inspire the next generation and ensure these stories of leadership, service and resilience are seen, shared and celebrated.”
How to nominate
Do you know an inspiring Hellenic Australian woman who deserves recognition? Nominations are now open for both award categories.
To nominate your ‘unsung heroine’:
- Complete the online nomination form here
- In 200 words or less, tell us how your nominee is making a meaningful impact
- Upload a high-resolution photo of the nominee
- Tick the ‘Sign Up’ box and submit the form
Nominations are open to all eligible entrants, excluding employees of The Greek Herald. Incomplete, incorrect or misleading submissions will not be considered.
Nominations close at 5pm on 26 February 2026. Finalists will be notified by email or phone. Personal information will be handled in accordance with The Greek Herald’s Privacy Policy.
An independent judging panel will select the finalists and winners for both The Greek Herald Woman of the Year Award 2026 and the Woman to Watch Award.
Finalists will be announced on Friday, March 6, in The Greek Herald’s dedicated IWD special print edition and online. The winners will be revealed on International Women’s Day (Sunday, March 8) and will be celebrated as the cover story in The Greek Herald, featuring exclusive interviews highlighting their journeys and achievements.
This year’s awards promise to continue celebrating the achievements of remarkable women, showcasing their stories and contributions to the Hellenic Australian community. Don’t miss the chance to nominate your unsung heroine here.
