The Vigdís Prize for Women’s Empowerment 2026 is an international award recognizing significant contributions to the advancement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Launched in 2023 by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in partnership with the Government of Iceland, the prize is named after the world’s first elected female Head of State, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir. It rewards individuals, civil society groups, or initiatives that promote equal participation in decision-making and inclusive practices. Winners receive €60,000 and a trophy at an official ceremony in Strasbourg on June 22, 2026. Applications require five sponsors and must be submitted as a single PDF by March 27, 2026.
PACE Vigdís Prize for Women’s Empowerment 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | France / Iceland (Partnership) |
| Study Abroad | Global Advocacy Opportunity |
| Category | Gender Equality Prizes & Grants |
| Eligible Countries | Global Eligibility |
| Reward | €60,000 and Trophy |
| Key Criteria | Significant commitment to empowering women and girls |
| Application Deadline | March 27th, 2026 |
PACE Vigdís Prize for Women’s Empowerment 2026 Details
The Vigdís Prize for Women’s Empowerment is a prestigious annual recognition designed to champion the rights of women and girls at a time when gender equality faces global challenges. Named in honor of Iceland’s trailblazing former president, the prize serves as a platform for those fostering inclusive policies and practices that contribute to women’s full participation in political and economic life.
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This initiative, supported by the Government of Iceland and PACE, highlights the importance of promoting equal participation in decision-making. By providing substantial financial rewards and international visibility, the prize aims to scale the impact of grassroots and institutional initiatives dedicated to social justice and gender parity.
Benefits of the PACE Vigdís Prize for Women’s Empowerment 2026
The Vigdís Prize utilizes a multi-dimensional reward system to provide both financial support and international prestige to its recipients.
Tier 1: The Vigdís Grand Prize (Up to €60,000)
- The primary laureate receives a cash prize of €60,000. This award is intended to support the ongoing activities of the individual or organization in the field of women’s empowerment and is accompanied by a commemorative trophy.
Tier 2: International Leadership & Policy Advocacy
- Winners and high-ranking nominees receive a secondary level of recognition through an official platform at the Council of Europe. This tier focuses on promoting the laureate’s inclusive policies and practices to a network of international decision-makers.
Tier 3: Institutional Validation & Recognition
- This tier provides participants with formal validation from the Government of Iceland and PACE. Recognition is granted based on demonstrated commitment to fostering participation in political and economic life, enhancing the recipient’s global credibility.
Eligibility Requirements for the PACE Vigdís Prize for Women’s Empowerment 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Nominees must demonstrate significant commitment and measurable achievements in advancing gender equality and empowering women or girls.
- Study Status: Open to individuals, civil society groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), associations, and private companies.
- Visa/Status: Nominees must be active in human rights or gender advocacy. Current members of the Parliamentary Assembly are ineligible.
- Program Admission: Deceased individuals are not eligible for nomination. All applications must be supported by the signatures of at least five independent sponsors.
How to Apply for the PACE Vigdís Prize for Women’s Empowerment 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Complete the official 2026 nomination form and obtain the signatures of at least five sponsors using the dedicated signatures form.
- Automatic Evaluation: Combine the nomination form, supporting documents, and sponsor signatures into a single PDF file following the specific naming convention (NAME – Country).
- Eligibility Assessment: Upload the combined PDF file to the official PACE portal for review by the selection committee.
- Notification of Award: Shortlisted candidates are selected, and the winner is officially announced at the ceremony in Strasbourg on June 22, 2026.
Application Deadline: March 27th, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the value of the Vigdís Prize for Women’s Empowerment?
The prize consists of an annual cash sum of €60,000 and a physical trophy.
2. Who was Vigdís Finnbogadóttir?
She was the first woman in the world to be elected as a Head of State, serving as the President of Iceland.
3. Can private companies be nominated for this prize?
Yes, private companies, along with individuals, NGOs, and associations, are eligible for nomination.
4. How many sponsors are required for a valid nomination?
A nomination must be supported by the signatures of at least five independent sponsors.
5. What are the language requirements for the application?
All nomination documents and supporting materials must be submitted in either English or French.
6. When and where is the award ceremony held?
The ceremony will take place on June 22, 2026, in Strasbourg, France, during the PACE Summer part-session.
7. Is the prize limited to European organizations?
No, the prize recognizes achievements in advancing gender equality across Europe and beyond.
8. How should I format my application files?
All documents must be merged into one PDF file and named according to specific instructions (e.g., FAMILY NAME – First name – Country).
9. Can I nominate a current member of the Parliamentary Assembly?
No, current members of the Parliamentary Assembly and deceased individuals are not eligible.
10. What kind of initiatives does the prize reward?
It rewards initiatives demonstrating significant commitment to empowering women and girls in all their diversity, including political and economic participation.
