“We haven’t seen enough strong examples of successful female industry leaders in Malaysia…”

“I was the only woman in the boardroom…”

“My peers thought I was someone’s secretary when they walked into the training I was about to conduct…”

With the Front & Female platform, we’ve had the privilege of sharing the stories of many incredible women trailblazers who have both excelled in their chosen industries while highlighting conversations about equality that were long overdue. While some have opened up about their trials and triumphs, many still toil behind-the-scenes with their achievements unseen, or at best, known only to a few. It’s time we changed that.

This year, we’re proud to announce the launch of the inaugural Front & Female Awards in Malaysia. The awards will celebrate six women and one man who support women, as demonstrated by launching or growing an initiative that supports the progress of women. To be eligible for a Front & Female Award, the awardee must have established or grown an initiative in the past 18 months that supports the progress of women, with impact predominantly in Malaysia.

See also: Asia's Most Influential: How Izza Izelan Fights for Gender Equality

Examples of eligible initiatives include establishing a funding initiative to support female founders or female small-business owners; introducing corporate mandates to increase gender parity; or founding an internal mentorship programme focused on elevating women. Perhaps the nominee has launched or hit a major milestone with a non-profit or foundation that works to support women and girls, has played a key role in advocacy for policy change that benefits women, or has launched an initiative to elevate women in a traditionally male field. These are just some of the individuals we are looking to celebrate.

So, whether this is you, or someone you know or admire, we want to hear from you. Please complete our public nomination form by February 17, 2023.