FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Global Women of Choice Awards Announces 2026 Legacy of Influence Honourees and Confirms Ongoing Nominations Across Award Categories

Abuja, Nigeria — 19th January 2026 — SHE-LEAPS™ and The Global Women of Choice Awards have officially announced the 2026 Legacy of Influence Honourees, a distinguished honorary recognition introduced as part of the 2026 Global Women of Choice Awards.

The Global Women of Choice exists to recognise women whose choices have shaped outcomes, shifted systems, and expanded opportunity across industries and generations. The newly established Legacy of Influence Honourees serve as a permanent institutional record of women whose lifetime contributions have redefined leadership, visibility, and global impact.

Unlike traditional awards, the Legacy of Influence Honourees are non-competitive and not application-based. Honourees are selected through an editorial and institutional review process and recognised as a matter of historical record, permanence, and global significance.

2026 Legacy of Influence Honourees

The inaugural 2026 Legacy of Influence Honourees include:

Melinda French Gates, recognised for Global Philanthropy and Women’s Advancement, for reshaping how institutions invest in women and girls worldwide.
Indra Nooyi, recognised for Global Business Leadership and Corporate Transformation, for redefining excellence, responsibility, and long-term value in global enterprise.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, recognised for Global Economic Leadership and Governance, for advancing fairness, accountability, and resilience within global economic systems.
Serena Williams, recognised for Excellence in Sports, Business, and Cultural Influence, for redefining performance, representation, and leadership beyond sport.
Tarana Burke, recognised for Social Impact and Advocacy Leadership, for transforming global conversations around dignity, accountability, and justice.
Rihanna (Robyn Fenty), recognised for Creative Industry Power and Philanthropic Innovation, for redefining global influence at the intersection of culture, commerce, and social impact through music, fashion, beauty, and humanitarian leadership.

“These women represent enduring standards of influence across industries, borders, and generations,” said Evelyn Oluchukwu, Founder and Host of The Global Women of Choice. “The Legacy of Influence Honourees anchor our institution in integrity, permanence, and global relevance. Their impact transcends seasons, trends, and titles.”

Ongoing Nominations for the 2026 Global Women of Choice Awards

In parallel with the Legacy of Influence recognitions, nominations remain open for the 2026 Global Women of Choice Awards across multiple categories. These awards recognise women actively shaping impact today through leadership, innovation, advocacy, enterprise, and service.

Nominations may be submitted by individuals or third parties and are reviewed by the Global Women of Choice Awards Council. Only a limited number of honourees will be selected for the 2026 cycle.

Selected awardees receive global recognition, editorial features, and access to exclusive platforms aligned with the Global Women of Choice mission.

About The Global Women of Choice

The Global Women of Choice is a global recognition platform and institutional record dedicated to honouring women whose decisions, leadership, and influence shape societies, industries, and futures. Through awards, editorial features, and global convenings, the platform documents excellence, legacy, and impact with integrity and permanence.