Why women’s recognition awards still matter

Every year, as nominations and finalists are announced for awards celebrating women, the same question often resurfaces: 

"Do we still need awards specifically for women?"

It’s a fair question, and here are my thoughts...

The progress (and pitfalls) so far

Over the last century, women have challenged barriers, changed laws and reshaped workplaces. Milestones such as greater access to education, maternity protections and stronger equality legislation have transformed opportunities for many.

We’ve also seen growing representation of women in leadership, reshaping what leadership looks like and inspiring future generations. The journey towards equality has never been about reaching a finish line overnight, it’s about recognising the progress we’ve made while continuing to build an even better future.

Across industries such as financial services, we’re seeing more women leading organisations, influencing policy, starting businesses and inspiring the next generation. Conversations that were once hidden around topics like menopause, fertility, caring responsibilities, flexible working and women’s health are now becoming part of everyday workplace dialogue. More organisations are recognising that inclusion isn’t simply the right thing to do - it creates stronger businesses, better decisions and more innovative teams.

Celebrating progress and striving for more aren’t opposing ideas, they’re both essential parts of creating lasting change. These are milestones worth celebrating but progress isn’t the same as parity.

Women remain underrepresented in many senior leadership roles. Caring responsibilities still disproportionately fall on women. Confidence gaps, unconscious bias and unequal access to sponsorship and networks continue to influence careers. While barriers may look different to those faced decades ago, they haven’t disappeared entirely.

That’s why women’s recognition awards continue to matter.

The power of recognition

Not because women need different standards or separate success, but because visibility matters. Recognition shines a light on achievements that may otherwise go unnoticed. It creates role models, builds confidence and encourages others to step forward. It reminds us that leadership comes in many forms, from leading organisations and driving innovation to mentoring others, championing inclusion and creating workplaces where everyone can thrive.

The impact reaches far beyond the individual receiving an award.

When one woman is recognised, countless others see what’s possible. Organisations reflect on what good leadership looks like. Future leaders gain the confidence to put themselves forward. Recognition creates a ripple effect that extends well beyond one evening or one trophy.

At L&C, that’s why we continue to proudly headline sponsor the Women’s Recognition Awards.

Not because we believe women should be recognised separately forever, but because we believe representation creates possibility, recognition builds confidence and today’s role models help shape tomorrow’s leaders.

Mark Harrington, CEO, L&C shared: 

"My hope is that one day, awards like these won’t be needed because opportunity and recognition will be truly equal. Until then, we all have an opportunity to keep creating environments where talent is recognised, barriers are removed and everyone has a chance to thrive. If these awards encourage even one more person to step forward and realise what’s possible, they’ve already made a lasting impact."

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, "Why do we still need women’s awards?", my one ask of you is that you please don’t stop at the question.

Take the opportunity to learn. Listen to the experiences of women around you. Celebrate the progress we’ve made while recognising where more progress is needed. Challenge bias, sponsor talent, create opportunities and champion inclusion not because it’s expected, but because it’s the right thing to do.

Let’s spend less time questioning why these awards exist and more time becoming part of the reason they won’t always have to.

Because creating equality is something all of us can help build.

Want to join us at #WRA26? Book your table and learn about sponsorship opportunities here.