GENDER-EQUAL SOCIETIES: THE THEME FOR THE 2026 WIN WIN AWARD The 2026 WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award focuses on Gender-Equal Societies, honouring global changemakers advancing gender equality as a cornerstone of sustainable development. Around the world, individuals and movements are reshaping systems, empowering women and girls, and driving the transformative change required for resilient, democratic, and peaceful societies. WHY GENDER EQUALITY IS CRITICAL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Across regions facing climate emergencies, conflict, democratic erosion, and widening inequality, gender equality remains a decisive yet under-prioritised factor in long-term stability. Equality is more than representation; it encompasses the full spectrum of social, political, and economic participation for women. A gender-equal society ensures that women have access to essential human rights and opportunities, including: Ownership of land and property Access to quality education Ability to achieve financial independence Social systems that allow choices beyond restrictive gender norms Institutional structures that free time, resources, and space for leadership In many contexts, gender equality is not only a moral imperative but a prerequisite for achieving broader development goals. When girls are freed from daily burdens such as travelling long distances to collect water, they gain the opportunity to pursue education. When women secure microfinance, land rights, and economic agency, household wellbeing improves, children stay in school longer, and communities become more resilient. Gender equality acts as a multiplier for development, strengthening welfare, stability, and collective prosperity. A GLOBAL BACKLASH AGAINST GENDER EQUALITY Despite decades of progress, gender equality is increasingly threatened. A worldwide backlash has emerged in which women’s rights, voices, and bodily autonomy are targeted by authoritarian and anti-rights movements. This trend reflects broader systems of inequality, polarisation, and social control. These regressions highlight why sustained support for gender-focused advocacy is essential. Defending gender equality is directly tied to defending democratic values, human rights, and sustainable development. DRIVING SYSTEMIC CHANGE: THE WAY FORWARD To advance gender equality globally, it is necessary to elevate the individuals, organisations, and social movements that challenge entrenched power structures. These changemakers work to shift societal norms, push for inclusive governance, and build systems where equality is embedded as a strategy for peace, resilience, and democracy. The 2026 WIN WIN Award seeks to recognise those who: Promote equitable access to resources, rights, and representation Strengthen women’s leadership in climate initiatives, economic development, and community decision-making Transform societal norms to uphold dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for all By advancing gender-equal systems, these leaders unlock collective potential and help societies address the defining challenges of the global era. THE 2026 WIN WIN GOTHENBURG SUSTAINABILITY AWARD The 2026 award cycle highlights outstanding individuals whose work accelerates gender equality and sustainable development. Nominations are welcomed for leaders creating measurable, systemic change in their communities and beyond. Two awards will be presented: The WIN WIN Award – for significant global achievements, valued at 1 million SEK The WIN WIN Youth Award – for changemakers aged 13–29, valued at 100,000 SEK Nominations are open until 11 January 2026, inviting submissions that demonstrate commitment, innovation, and tangible impact in advancing gender-equal futures. NOMINATION GUIDELINES Nominators are encouraged to put forward individuals, organisations, movements, or companies—ensuring the key leader driving the work is identified. Candidates should demonstrate: A clear contribution to building gender-equal systems Evidence of sustained impact Approaches that challenge inequality at structural, community, or policy levels Supporting documents, links, and references may be included to strengthen the nomination. Contact information for both nominee and nominator is required to complete the submission. TOWARD A MORE EQUAL FUTURE The WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award 2026 amplifies the global call for meaningful, durable gender equality. By recognising leaders who transform systems and uplift communities, the award contributes to a future in which everyone can thrive and actively shape sustainable societal development. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the funding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.