Westpac Outstanding Women Award

The number of categories in which women are recognized has expanded over the years:

Westpac Papua New Guinea, a subsidiary of Westpac Banking Corporation of Australia, is the primary sponsor and organizer of the award.[1]

Other companies have joined in sponsoring one or more awards over the years.[12][13][14][15][16][11][17] Typically, these companies contribute cash to sponsor a prize for the finalist in each category, which supports those finalists in continuing their work.[13][14][15]

The WOW Awards extend a call for nominations each year, and filed an average of 70-80 nominations annually.[1] In 2016, there were over 100 nominations.[18] From among these nominations, a judging panel composed of representatives from Westpac, high-level sponsors, and the community picks a first round of finalists.[19][9][17] Judges interview each finalist to assess their: capacity to lead, influence, and inspire others in pursuit of challenging goals; record of operating with integrity and good governance; achievement in appropriate areas, such as school, sports, or professional activities; and personal and professional values.[17] Ultimately, the panel selects one finalist per category, and from among these nominees select the overall Westpac Outstanding Woman Awardee.