Editor’s Note: The Rebecca Waah Recognition Awards is inspired by Rebecca Waah, a respected leader in agriculture with a history of service to humanity. 2025 nominations for the awards are now open to recognise outstanding individuals who prioritise the well-being of their communities and play pivotal roles in fostering sustainable development.
The Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN) has opened nominations for the 2025 Rebecca Waah Recognition Awards. Established to honour the legacy of Rebecca Waah, a dedicated advocate for sustainability, agriculture, and the empowerment of women and children, these awards celebrate the invaluable contributions of women and girls who demonstrate resilience, compassion and commitment to community development.
The official launch of the awards took place in March 2025 during the UN CSW69/Beijing+30 event in New York, with the inaugural awards ceremony set for September 2025 in Dakar, Senegal.
Who can be nominated for the 2025 Rebecca Waah Recognition Awards?
The 2025 Rebecca Waah Recognition Awards are open to girls and women from diverse backgrounds, including students, professionals, widows, single mothers, persons with disabilities and orphans. Nominees should embody service to humanity, community development, and sustainability. Scholarships will also be awarded to exceptional young girls to support their educational journeys.
Award Categories
Nominations are invited for the following three categories:
- Academic Award – Supporting girls and women in achieving their educational and professional aspirations.
- Sustainability Award – Providing internship, mentorship, and exchange programme opportunities.
- Award of Honour – Recognising the exceptional work of a girl or woman in her chosen field (non-monetary but highly prestigious).
All awardees will receive a certificate of recognition at the awards ceremony in Dakar, Senegal.
Selection Criteria
A selection committee will review nominations based on the following criteria:
- Financial Need – The nominee has shown a commitment to further education but lacks financial support.
- Alignment with GCSAYN focus areas – The nominee’s work should relate to areas such as smart agriculture, gender promotion, young girls’ education, women’s empowerment, children and youth rights, environmental and human rights and gender equity.
- Commitment to Mentorship – Awardees should be willing to mentor future recipients, ensuring the long-term impact of the programme.
Benefits for 2025 Rebecca Waah Recognition Awards Recipients
Selected awardees will enjoy:
- Expanded professional networks through engagement with global organisations.
- Increased visibility, with the awards ceremony broadcast on national television and across social media.
- Opportunities for collaboration with international NGOs and development partners.
- Ongoing engagement in future awards and related events.
- A platform to showcase their work through a dedicated video production initiative.
How to nominate
To nominate a girl or woman making a difference in her community, visit here. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further instructions, and final awardees will be announced in June 2025.
