EmpowerHer Excellence Awards
Canada 2026 Edition — Registration Open

EmpowerHer ExcellenceAwards

Fueling Her Excellence for Generations to Come

Dates
July 2–8, 2026
Location
Brampton, Ontario
Programme
3 Days + 4 Day Tour
Organized by
Stuka Foundation
Regions
6 Global Regions
Context
World Cup 2026 Season
Register Your Interest Discover the Platform
—Days
—Hours
—Minutes
—Seconds
7
Total Event Days
90
Award Categories
6
Global Regions
500+
Expected Delegates
∞
Impact Created
About the Event

A Platform for Influence & Real Action

The EmpowerHer Excellence Awards, initiated by the Stuka Foundation, is a flagship international platform that celebrates and recognizes stakeholders who actively empower women — leaders, institutions, policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and social change advocates who create real opportunities for women to thrive across Africa and Canada.

The Stuka Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Tanzania and the USA, dedicated to impacting women's lives through entrepreneurship training, leadership capacity building, and social empowerment initiatives. In 2026, the Awards expand to the global stage, bridging Africa and Canada in a moment that the world is already watching.

This is not just an awards night. It is a three-day platform of dialogue, exhibitions, workshops, policy engagement, and celebration — bringing together the champions behind women's success and the decision-makers who can accelerate it.

Mission
Recognize & Celebrate
Honoring governments, companies, NGOs & leaders creating pathways for women's advancement
Vision
Global Impact
Building a sustainable movement of women's empowerment across Africa and North America
Action
Forge Partnerships
Cross-continental collaboration between Africa and Canada that outlasts the event
Legacy
Fuel Excellence
Inspiring greater investment, policy commitment & community action for generations to come
EEA 2026 · Brampton, Ontario, Canada
7Day
Total Programme
6
Global Regions
90
Award Categories
2024
Tanzania Edition
"This edition will create a powerful platform for dialogue, exhibitions, and collaboration between African and Canadian stakeholders — advancing women's empowerment on the world stage."

— Stuka Foundation
Why Canada · Why Now

The World Is Already Watching Canada

July 2026 is not an ordinary moment. Canada is hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026, drawing billions of eyes from every corner of the globe to Canadian cities. The world's governments, investors, media outlets, and cultural leaders are converging on Canada — and the EmpowerHer Excellence Awards is positioned right at the heart of this global moment in Brampton, Ontario.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to amplify the voices, achievements, and stories of women's empowerment champions to a global audience — when the world is already looking. For Africa and its diaspora, it is a defining moment to showcase excellence, leadership, and innovation on the international stage.

Brampton is Canada's ninth-largest city and one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world — a living symbol of what inclusive communities can achieve. Hosting EmpowerHer here sends a powerful message about the future we are building.

FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada
Billions of eyes on Canadian cities — maximum global visibility for your brand and mission
Diaspora & Global Attendance
African diaspora, government delegations, and global investors converging in one place
Brampton, Ontario
One of Canada's most culturally diverse cities — a symbol of inclusive excellence
Africa Meets Canada
A bridge moment — celebrating the shared heritage and future of two continents
Global Reach

6 Regions. One Powerful Movement.

EmpowerHer Excellence Awards 2026 unites leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and advocates from six of the world's most influential regions — converging in Brampton, Ontario to celebrate women's excellence on a truly global stage.

🇨🇦
Canada
Host Nation · Brampton, Toronto & Ontario
Host Country
🌍
Africa
Founding Region · Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa & beyond
Founding Region
🇺🇸
United States
North America · Government leaders, investors & diaspora communities
North America
🇨🇳
China
Asia-Pacific · Trade leaders, investment partners & innovation champions
Asia-Pacific
🇮🇳
India
South Asia · Entrepreneurs, tech innovators & women's leadership pioneers
South Asia
🇦🇪
UAE
Middle East · Investors, philanthropists & regional empowerment leaders
Middle East

"When Africa, North America, Asia, the Middle East and South Asia unite around women's excellence — the world changes."

Objectives

Five Goals That Drive This Platform

01
Recognize Stakeholders
Governments, companies, NGOs, leaders & investors who have created opportunities and pathways for women's advancement across Africa and Canada
02
Promote Cross-Continental Partnerships
Between Africa and Canada — building lasting alliances in women's empowerment, trade, policy, and investment
03
Foster Knowledge Exchange
Showcasing best practices, innovative policies, and transformative success stories from both continents
04
Provide a Collaborative Platform
For stakeholders to network, share resources, build relationships, and inspire collective action that drives real change
05
Celebrate Diversity & Inclusion
As a catalyst for sustainable development, amplifying the voices and achievements of women from all backgrounds
Event Programme

Three Days of Transformation

July 2–8, 2026 (Main Programme) + July 5–8, 2026 (Post-Tour Experience) · Brampton, Ontario, Canada. Seven immersive days blending recognition, dialogue, exhibitions, cultural exploration, and continental partnership-building.

Main Programme
July 2, 3 & 4 — 3 Full Days
Opening Ceremony · Exhibitions · Leadership Forums · Panel Discussions · Workshops · Awards Gala · Cultural Exchange Night · Partnership Roundtables
Post-Tour Experience
July 5, 6, 7 & 8 — 4 Day Tour
Niagara Falls · City of Toronto · Brampton Cultural Immersion · Investment Site Visits · Global Farewell Ceremony · EEA 2027 Announcement
🤝 Day 1 — July 2
📋 Day 2 — July 3 AM
🏆 Day 2 — July 3 PM
🛍️ Day 3 — July 4
🌎 Day 4 — July 5
🌎 Day 5 — July 6
🌎 Day 6 — July 7
🌎 Day 7 — July 8
All Day
July 2
Arrival & Check-in
Delegates arrive in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. Transfer to your accommodation and check in.
ArrivalsCheck-in
All Day
July 2
Badge Collection
Collect your delegate badge and welcome pack from the registration desk.
RegistrationBadge Collection
Morning
9:00 AM
Official Opening Ceremony
Formal opening of the EmpowerHer Excellence Awards 2026 — featuring distinguished keynotes from government leaders, policymakers and women's empowerment champions from across 6 global regions.
OpeningKeynoteLeadership
All Day
Summit Inside
Leadership & Partnerships Forum
High-level panels, workshops, closed-door roundtables and investment forums bringing together ministers, policymakers, corporate leaders and social innovators from Africa, Canada, USA, China, India and UAE.
ForumPanelsRoundtablesInvestment
All Day
Outside
Exhibitions — Showcasing Impact
Organizations, NGOs, businesses and social enterprises showcase their work, products and initiatives advancing women's empowerment. Open to all delegates and the public.
ExhibitionInnovationSocial Impact
Afternoon
2:00 PM
B2B Partnership Meetings
Facilitated one-on-one meetings and deal sessions for investors, development partners, businesses and NGOs to design cross-continental collaborations.
B2BPartnershipsDeals
Evening
7:00 PM
Red Carpet Arrival & Welcome Reception
Red carpet arrival and cocktail welcome reception for all gala delegates. Dress Code: Black Tie / African Formal Attire.
Red CarpetGalaReception
Evening
8:00 PM
Awards Ceremony — 90 Categories
The centrepiece of EEA 2026 — 90 prestigious award categories across 16 industry groups recognizing outstanding organizations and individuals driving women's empowerment across 6 global regions.
Awards90 Categories16 GroupsExcellence
Throughout
Gala Dinner
Black-Tie Gala Dinner
Formal gala dinner for all delegates. Dress Code: Black Tie / African Formal Attire. A celebration of excellence, culture and sisterhood from 6 global regions.
Gala DinnerBlack TieAfrican Formal
Late Evening
Celebration
Cultural Performances & Celebration
Music, cultural performances and post-ceremony networking — celebrating the shared heritage and diversity of Africa and the world.
CultureMusicCelebration
All Day
July 4
Shopping Day — Explore Brampton!
A free day for all delegates to explore Brampton's vibrant markets, malls and cultural retail spaces. Discover local culture, cuisine and crafts at your own pace.
ShoppingLeisureBrampton
Optional
Free Time
Local Markets & Malls
Explore Brampton's local markets, shopping malls and cultural spots — no structured programme today, just enjoy!
MarketsMallsCulture
Post-Tour
July 6 · Morning
Post-Tour Day 2 — City of Toronto Immersive Exploration
A curated immersion into Canada's largest and most cosmopolitan city — Toronto. Delegates experience the city's iconic skyline, vibrant cultural districts, innovation hubs, and the beating heart of Canada's most diverse urban community. From the CN Tower to Kensington Market, from Bay Street to the Distillery District — Toronto is a city that shows what a truly inclusive society looks like. A perfect backdrop for conversations about investment, cultural diplomacy, and the future of Africa–Canada relations.
TorontoCity TourCulture
Afternoon
2:00 PM
Business & Investment Site Visits — Toronto Innovation District
Guided visits to Toronto's leading innovation corridors, women-led enterprises, investment institutions, and cultural organizations. A hands-on opportunity for delegates from Africa, USA, China, India, and the UAE to explore partnership opportunities in one of North America's most dynamic business ecosystems. Facilitated introductions and curated meetings for those seeking specific investment or trade connections.
BusinessInvestmentInnovation
Post-Tour
July 7 · All Day
Post-Tour Day 3 — Brampton Cultural Deep Dive & Community Engagement
A full-day immersion into the soul of Brampton — one of the most culturally vibrant and diverse cities on earth. Delegates explore the city's African and South Asian cultural communities, visit landmark community spaces, engage with local women entrepreneurs and leaders, and experience the grassroots energy of a city that embodies what EmpowerHer stands for. Community visits, cultural cuisine experiences, local market tours, and informal conversations with Brampton's inspiring women leaders.
BramptonCommunityCulture
Evening
6:30 PM
Global Delegate Dinner — All Six Regions
A landmark dinner bringing together delegates from all six regions — Canada, Africa, USA, China, India, and UAE — for a final evening of connection before the closing day. A celebration of what this global gathering has built: new friendships, new partnerships, and a shared commitment to fueling women's excellence for generations to come.
Global DinnerAll Regions
Post-Tour
July 8 · Morning
Post-Tour Day 4 — Legacy Closing Ceremony & Farewell
The closing day of EmpowerHer Excellence Awards 2026 begins with a reflective Legacy Closing Ceremony — a powerful moment where delegates formalize their commitments, sign partnership declarations, and share the stories they will carry home to their communities, governments, and organizations. Facilitators guide a structured session where each regional delegation announces one concrete action they will take to advance women's empowerment in their region over the next 12 months.
LegacyClosingCommitments
Afternoon
12:00 PM
EmpowerHer 2027 Announcement & Global Farewell
The grand finale of the seven-day journey. The Stuka Foundation officially announces EmpowerHer Excellence Awards 2027 — the next destination, dates, and vision. Delegates gather for a final group moment, photographs, and the exchange of commitments. A farewell celebration that marks not an ending, but the beginning of a global movement that will grow stronger with every edition. Safe travels — and see you at EmpowerHer 2027.
EEA 2027FarewellMovement
Award Categories

90 Categories Honoring Excellence

Recognizing the full spectrum of stakeholders driving women's empowerment across 6 global regions — from grassroots community advocates to heads of state, global industry leaders, and cultural icons.

Corporate Excellence in Women's Empowerment 10 AWARDS
CAT 01
Corporate Champion for Women's Empowerment
CAT 02
Best Company for Gender Equality
CAT 03
Workplace Inclusion Excellence Award
CAT 04
Top Employer for Women
CAT 05
Gender Diversity Leadership Company
CAT 06
Women-Friendly Workplace Award
CAT 07
Inclusive Corporate Culture Award
CAT 08
Best Employer for Women in Africa
CAT 09
Women Empowerment Corporate Strategy Award
CAT 10
Corporate Leadership in Women's Advancement
Banking, Finance & Investment 10 AWARDS
CAT 11
Bank Champion for Women's Empowerment
CAT 12
Financial Inclusion Institution of the Year
CAT 13
Microfinance Institution Supporting Women
CAT 14
Investment Firm Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
CAT 15
Insurance Company Promoting Women's Inclusion
CAT 16
Fintech Company Empowering Women
CAT 17
Women-Focused Lending Institution
CAT 18
Best Bank for Women Entrepreneurs
CAT 19
Capital Access Initiative for Women Award
CAT 20
Financial Literacy Program for Women Award
NGOs, Foundations & Development 10 AWARDS
CAT 21
NGO Excellence in Women Empowerment
CAT 22
Foundation Impact Award on Women's Empowerment
CAT 23
International NGO Supporting Women
CAT 24
Grassroots Organization Empowering Women
CAT 25
Women Empowerment Program of the Year
CAT 26
Community-Based Organization Award
CAT 27
Humanitarian Organization Supporting Women
CAT 28
Women's Rights Advocacy Organization
CAT 29
Education-Focused NGO for Women
CAT 30
Health-Focused NGO for Women
Government & Public Sector 10 AWARDS
CAT 31
Government Initiative for Women's Empowerment
CAT 32
Ministry Excellence in Gender Equality
CAT 33
Public Sector Gender Inclusion Award
CAT 34
Local Government Women Empowerment Award
CAT 35
National Gender Program Impact Award
CAT 36
Public Institution Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
CAT 37
Women Empowerment Policy Implementation Award
CAT 38
Government Innovation in Women's Empowerment
CAT 39
Public-Private Initiative for Women Award
CAT 40
State Agency Promoting Women's Inclusion
International Organizations & Embassies 10 AWARDS
CAT 41
Embassy Excellence in Women Empowerment
CAT 42
International Investor Impact Award
CAT 43
Development Partner Supporting Women
CAT 44
Donor Agency for Women Empowerment Award
CAT 45
Multilateral Organization Impact Award
CAT 46
Global Partnership for Women Empowerment
CAT 47
International Program Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
CAT 48
Cross-Border Women Empowerment Initiative
CAT 49
Foreign Mission Gender Equality Award
CAT 50
Global Fund Supporting Women's Empowerment
Manufacturing & Industrial 3 AWARDS
CAT 51
Manufacturing Company Supporting Women
CAT 52
Women's Inclusion in Industrial Workforce Award
CAT 53
Factory Excellence in Gender Equality
Construction & Real Estate 3 AWARDS
CAT 54
Construction Company Promoting Women's Inclusion
CAT 55
Real Estate Company Supporting Women
CAT 56
Women in Engineering Support Award
Agriculture & Agribusiness 3 AWARDS
CAT 57
Agribusiness Company Empowering Women
CAT 58
Agricultural Value Chain Inclusion Award
CAT 59
Women Farmers Support Initiative Award
Retail & FMCG 3 AWARDS
CAT 60
Retail Brand Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
CAT 61
FMCG Company Empowering Women
CAT 62
Women Supplier Inclusion Award
Technology & Innovation 3 AWARDS
CAT 63
Tech Company Empowering Women
CAT 64
Digital Inclusion for Women Award
CAT 65
ICT Company Supporting Women in Tech
Transport & Logistics 2 AWARDS
CAT 66
Logistics Company Supporting Women
CAT 67
Transport Sector Gender Inclusion Award
Hospitality & Tourism 3 AWARDS
CAT 68
Hospitality Brand Supporting Women
CAT 69
Tourism Company Promoting Women's Employment
CAT 70
Women's Inclusion in Hospitality Award
Education, Training & Capacity Building 5 AWARDS
CAT 71
Institution Supporting Women's Education
CAT 72
University Promoting Gender Equality
CAT 73
Training Institute Empowering Women
CAT 74
Skills Development Program for Women
CAT 75
Scholarship Program Supporting Women
Health & Wellness 5 AWARDS
CAT 76
Healthcare Institution Supporting Women
CAT 77
Hospital Excellence in Women's Care
CAT 78
Women's Health Program of the Year
CAT 79
Maternal Health Initiative Award
CAT 80
Women Wellness Organization Award
Media, Marketing & Communication 4 AWARDS
CAT 81
Media House Supporting Women's Empowerment
CAT 82
Advertising Agency Promoting Gender Equality
CAT 83
Women Empowerment Campaign of the Year
CAT 84
PR Agency Supporting Women Initiatives
Partnerships, CSR & Impact Programs 6 AWARDS
CAT 85
Best CSR Program Supporting Women
CAT 86
Corporate Foundation Impact Award
CAT 87
Public-Private Partnership for Women Empowerment
CAT 88
Supplier Diversity Program Award
CAT 89
Women Empowerment Partnership Award
CAT 90
Sustainability Program Supporting Women
Who Attends

Expected Participants

A powerful cross-section of leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across Africa, Canada, and the global diaspora.

Government Officials & Policymakers
Ministers, ambassadors, city leaders, and public-sector innovators from Africa and Canada
Business Leaders & Corporate Representatives
Executives, CEOs, and corporate champions driving gender equity in their organizations
Non-Profits & Women's Rights Groups
NGOs, civil society organizations, and advocacy groups working on the frontlines
Educational & Research Institutions
Universities, think-tanks, and research bodies advancing knowledge on gender equity
Social Entrepreneurs & Innovators
Bold changemakers building businesses and solutions that create opportunity for women
Investors, Development Partners & Philanthropists
Capital providers and development finance institutions investing in women's futures
Media & Cultural Influencers
Journalists, content creators, and cultural leaders who amplify women's stories
Africa–Canada Diaspora Communities
Diaspora leaders, community organizers, and cultural custodians bridging two continents
Why Attend

Six Reasons to Be in the Room

This is not a conference you attend — it is a movement you become part of. Here is what awaits those who join us in Brampton, Ontario this July.

01
Global Visibility at a World Moment
With FIFA World Cup 2026 drawing the world's attention to Canada, your participation at EmpowerHer places your organization and leadership at the center of an unprecedented global spotlight.
02
Strategic Cross-Continental Partnerships
Access a curated network of decision-makers, investors, government officials, and social innovators from Africa and Canada — ready to build lasting collaborations that drive real impact for women.
03
Policy Influence & Advocacy
Engage directly in high-level dialogues that shape policies, frameworks, and investment decisions affecting women at the systemic level — across two continents and beyond.
04
Prestigious International Recognition
An EmpowerHer Excellence Award is a mark of distinction recognized by governments, media, institutions, and peers worldwide — elevating your organization's credibility and reach.
05
Investment & Funding Pathways
Connect directly with investors, development partners, and philanthropists who are actively seeking to fund impactful projects and businesses that serve and empower women.
06
Cultural Exchange & Diaspora Connection
Experience the richness of African excellence in a Canadian setting — celebrating the diversity, heritage, and resilience of communities that are shaping the world's most inclusive future.
Sponsorship Opportunities

Partner With Purpose

By sponsoring EmpowerHer Excellence Awards 2026, you align your organization with a transformative platform dedicated to empowering women across Africa and Canada — at a moment when the world is watching. Custom sponsorship tiers offer unparalleled visibility, access, and impact.

Platinum
Prime Partner
  • Prime visibility — top billing across all channels and materials
  • Speaking slot at the main stage ceremony
  • Large exhibition booth (prime, high-traffic location)
  • Full-page feature in event programme & media kit
  • VIP table for 10 at the Awards Gala
  • Logo on ID cards, lanyards & all event materials
  • Video clip screening throughout the conference
  • Dedicated MC mentions at key programme moments
  • Exclusive social media campaign collaboration
  • Post-event report feature & media placement
Gold
Strategic Partner
  • Prominent logo visibility across event materials
  • Mid-size exhibition booth (prime placement)
  • Half-page feature in event programme
  • Media coverage & press release mentions
  • Logo on ID cards & event signage
  • Video clip screening during conference
  • MC mentions at key event moments
  • VIP table for 6 at the Awards Gala
  • Social media recognition & tagging
Silver
Supporting Partner
  • Logo display on select event materials
  • Small exhibition booth
  • Networking access to all sessions
  • Delegate passes (2 included)
  • Online recognition on event platforms
  • Social media mention & tagging
  • Customized benefits available on request

Interested in a custom partnership package? We'd love to design something that meets your specific goals.

Discuss Sponsorship
Expected Outcomes

What This Three-Day Platform Creates

Recognition of Champions
Celebrating the stakeholders championing women's empowerment in Africa and Canada — elevating their work on the global stage
New Cross-Continental Partnerships
Collaborations between African and Canadian institutions that are formalized, funded, and built to last well beyond the event
Increased Visibility for Women's Initiatives
Amplified global reach for programs and innovations that uplift women — through media, networks, and the World Cup spotlight
Stronger Policy Commitments
Concrete investment pledges and policy decisions towards gender equality, women's leadership, and inclusive development
A Sustainable Global Network
A growing, thriving ecosystem of stakeholders across Africa and Canada committed to women's empowerment for generations to come
Greater Investment in Women
New capital, resources, and backing flowing toward women-led enterprises and organizations advancing gender equity across both continents
Get Involved

Register Your Interest

EmpowerHer Excellence Awards 2026 is happening July 2–8 in Brampton, Ontario — right in the heart of the FIFA World Cup 2026 moment in Canada. Spaces are limited. Register your interest now and our team will be in touch with full details.

Whether you are an individual leader, an organization seeking to sponsor or exhibit, a nominee, or a media partner — we want to hear from you.

Attend as a delegate — individuals & organizations
Nominate a leader for an Excellence Award
Sponsor or exhibit at the event
Apply for media accreditation
Volunteer or partner with the Stuka Foundation
Join the Africa–Canada empowerment movement

Register Your Interest

July 2–8, 2026 · Brampton, Ontario, Canada

We will respond within 48 hours. Your information is kept private and will only be used to follow up on your enquiry.

Join Us in Fueling Her Excellence

EmpowerHer Excellence Awards 2026 — July 2–8, Brampton, Ontario, Canada. Organized by the Stuka Foundation. Africa meets Canada. The world is watching.

Register Now Contact Us Sponsorship Enquiry