Deadline: 07-Jun-2026
The Kamla Bhasin Award recognizes individuals across South Asia who are driving impactful change in gender equality and social justice. Established in memory of Kamla Bhasin, the award honors women in non-traditional livelihoods and men promoting gender-just ecosystems. Winners receive a trophy and INR 100,000, along with regional recognition.
The Kamla Bhasin Award is a prestigious recognition established to honor the legacy of Kamla Bhasin, a leading voice in gender justice and feminist advocacy. The award celebrates individuals who are actively advancing gender equality, social inclusion, and community transformation across South Asia.
The initiative is led by Azad Foundation in partnership with National Foundation for India and iPartner India.
Programme Objectives
The award aims to recognize and amplify changemakers driving gender justice.
Core Objectives:
- Promote gender equality and women’s empowerment
- Recognize non-traditional livelihoods for women
- Encourage positive masculinity and allyship
- Challenge patriarchal systems and norms
- Support inclusive and equitable communities
- Highlight grassroots leadership and impact
Key Focus Areas
The award emphasizes impactful contributions across multiple dimensions.
Focus Themes:
- Gender equality and equal rights
- Women’s empowerment and leadership
- Non-traditional livelihood opportunities
- Positive masculinity and gender allyship
- Social inclusion and justice
- Community transformation and grassroots action
Award Categories
There are two primary award categories.
1. Women in Non-Traditional Livelihoods
- Open to women (cis/trans)
- Recognizes individuals breaking barriers in unconventional professions
2. Men Promoting Gender-Just Ecosystems
- Open to men (cis/trans)
- Honors individuals enabling gender equality and challenging harmful norms
Special Jury Awards
- May be awarded for exceptional contributions
- Includes recognition through a citation and trophy
Award Benefits
Main Awards Include:
- Trophy
- Cash prize of INR 100,000
Special Jury Awards:
- Trophy and citation
Additional Benefits:
- Regional recognition across South Asia
- Visibility as a role model for social change
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be from South Asian countries, including:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- India
- Maldives
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Demonstrate impactful work in gender equality
- Show community-level or regional impact
- Align with one of the award categories
- Promote dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunity
Why This Award Matters
The Kamla Bhasin Award plays a vital role in advancing gender justice in South Asia.
Key Benefits:
- Recognizes grassroots changemakers
- Promotes inclusive development and equality
- Encourages non-traditional roles and leadership
- Inspires wider social and cultural transformation
- Strengthens regional advocacy for gender rights
How to Apply / Nomination Process
Step 1: Review Eligibility
- Ensure alignment with award categories and criteria
Step 2: Prepare Nomination/Application
Include:
- Applicant profile
- Description of work and impact
- Evidence of community change
- Supporting documents or testimonials
Step 3: Submit Application
- Follow official nomination guidelines
- Ensure complete and accurate submission
Step 4: Evaluation Process
- Applications reviewed by a jury panel
- Assessed based on:
- Impact
- Innovation
- Relevance
- Sustainability
Step 5: Selection and Recognition
- Winners selected across categories
- Special Jury Awards may be announced
Key Concepts Explained
Gender Equality
Equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for all genders.
Non-Traditional Livelihoods
Professions where women are underrepresented or breaking stereotypes.
Positive Masculinity
Encouraging men to support equality and challenge harmful gender norms.
Gender-Just Ecosystem
A social environment that promotes fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting applications without clear impact evidence
- Weak alignment with award categories
- Lack of supporting documentation
- Overlooking community-level outcomes
- Incomplete or inaccurate submissions
Expert Tips for Strong Applications
- Highlight real-life impact and measurable outcomes
- Share compelling stories of change
- Provide strong evidence and testimonials
- Align clearly with gender equality themes
- Demonstrate sustainability and long-term impact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Kamla Bhasin Award?
An award recognizing individuals advancing gender equality across South Asia.
2. Who can apply?
Individuals from South Asian countries working in gender justice and related fields.
3. What are the main categories?
Women in non-traditional livelihoods and men promoting gender-just ecosystems.
4. What is the award prize?
INR 100,000 and a trophy for main award winners.
5. Are there additional awards?
Yes, Special Jury Awards may also be given.
6. Who organizes the award?
Azad Foundation, National Foundation for India, and iPartner India.
7. What makes a strong application?
Clear impact, strong alignment with gender equality goals, and evidence of change.
Conclusion
The Kamla Bhasin Award stands as a powerful tribute to Kamla Bhasin and her vision of a just and equal society. By recognizing individuals driving meaningful change, the award amplifies voices that challenge inequality and inspire progress.
Applicants who demonstrate authentic impact, leadership, and commitment to gender justice have the opportunity to gain recognition and contribute to a more inclusive South Asia.
For more information, visit Azad Foundation.
