The Female Tribe – Business, Resource
and Innovation Network for women; and The Feather Awards initiative was founded
by its Chief Oracle (Visionary), Tanya (Dakota) Magalhaes.
“I believe that the connection
amongst women is one of the most transforming forces on the planet. I greatly
respect women for their inborn strength and their inherent desire to make
themselves and the world around them a better place.” ~ Chief Oracle
It is The Female
Tribe’s
vision and mission to remind the community of the importance and contribution of women and to
remind women of their own value and worth. Since its inception in 2007,
The Female Tribe has endeavoured to connect, inspire, inform and recognize the
modern, evolving and dynamic Female Tribe of South Africa.
The
Female Tribe has grown
substantially over the last two years, with a database of more than
30 000+ women and a reach of more than
100 000 women in South Africa. The network attracts ladies 28 - 50, career
women, entrepreneurs and home-makers, representing all races and categorized in
a mid to upper income groups.
The
on-line platform, known as The Female Tribe Village is a superior
networking platform, with around 1700 active participants.
The
website receives more than 300 000 hits a month, with the average visitor
viewing 21 pages.
Built by women for women, the theme,
terminology and application is unique with powerful networking tools, personal
tools, a wealth of information and inspiration - available to any lady who can
join for free.
“The Female Tribe is a social and
business networking platform, which connects its members with one another and
creates a powerful catalyst, where goals, visions, business opportunities and
dialogue can be shared in a strong and dynamic network, not only on-line, but
creating tangible relationships off-line too.”
The Female Tribe hosts the annual
Celebrating Womanhood event and numerous other on and offline events throughout
the year.
The Feather Awards is dependent on the
support of Sponsors and Partners to make it a reality.
In 2008/2009 funds had to be raised in
cash and kind sponsorships in order to administrate the overall process,
trophies, gifts; and host a remarkable Gala Banquet which hosted 160
distinguished guests, including finalists and their partners, Media and VIP
guests.
More than half of the 27 finalists were
flown in from all over the country and accommodated in 5-star luxury.
The quality of the inaugural Feather
Awards and remarkable media exposure received from various media partners and
CNBC Africa Women in Business leaves no doubt that the amount of nominations
that will be received for 2009/2010 and the size of the overall initiative will
grow substantially.
Categories:
We celebrate the extraordinary
achievements of ordinary women everywhere; women who have accomplished great
things quietly and without recognition.
The categories have been adapted and as
from this year are as follows:
1.
Business Icon and Entrepreneur
In this category we recognise women who
have turned a vision into a thriving business enterprise or distinguished
herself in academic work, career, leadership or public service development.
In so doing, the nominee has developed
a sustainable business that provides employment for others or has
enabled/inspired others to become entrepreneurs or has made a positive impact
through her ongoing commitment to the business community as a role model, mentor
or champion. She is a leader and inspiration to others and has made a
commendable contribution to the SME or corporate arena.
2.
Community Builder and Humanitarian
In this category, we celebrate the
selfless humanitarian efforts of women who have made the lives of others better,
fuller and richer with meaning. She has reached out, served, and improved fellow
South Africans’ circumstances. She is the champion of her cause and creates
positive social change by increasing equality for all.
She may serve as a volunteer or
pioneer, whether individually or as part of an organisation.
3.
Heroine
In this category we recognise the
daring adventurers, courageous survivors, sports women and tenacious characters
who never give in. These women are leaders, committed human beings and heroines!
These are the women who have fulfilled
their dreams by facing insurmountable obstacles and adversities and have
overcome these by their inner strength and will to survive. The Heroine is an
inspirational woman and her story encourages and uplifts others.
4.
Arts, Culture and Heritage
In this category we recognise the
filmmakers, actors, radio and TV entertainers, musicians, artists, authors, and
the women who contribute towards arts, culture and heritage.
These women have contributed to the
growth and success of others by applying their personal talents and convictions
and have set a standard of passion, truth, spirit and commitment.
Their stories are inspiring,
controversial, courageous, passionate, and purposeful.
Nomination Criteria:
·
It is
FREE to nominate and participate
·
Correct
selection of category
·
All
related details supplied (name, contact information)
·
Substantial motivation for nomination
·
Nominees
to be South African residents
·
Nominees have to accept their nominations, have the opportunity to change the
category with acceptance; and supply additional information
·
Nominations can be done on-line, from digital or print media or via email
Feather Awards Nominees/Candidates
What are we looking for?
·
The
motivation for achievement for the specific category is significant and
prominent
·
The
nominee has made a tangible difference in the category for which she has been
nominated
·
Her
efforts have touched the lives of at least one other person significantly
Process from Nominee to Semi-finalist:
·
Nominee
must accept nomination
·
Nominee
is a South African resident
·
Nominee
can verify category and supply additional information
·
Nominee
profiles are loaded to The Female Tribe website
·
Judges
judge by means of an electronic point scoring process
·
Top
scorers from each category (all judges) become Semi-finalists (non quantity
bound)
Feather Awards Semi-finalists
What are we looking for?
·
Semi-finalists are ladies who are role-models and want to influence others to
make a difference
·
Women
who are solution and results orientated
·
Ladies
who have a broader vision in terms of the role of women in society
Process from Semi-finalist to finalist:
·
Semi-finalists are advised of status
·
An
electronic interview is conducted with each Semi-finalist
·
Semi-finalist profiles are updated and loaded to The Female Tribe website
·
Judges
judge by means of an electronic point scoring process on more detailed profiles
·
The 5 top scorers from each
category (all judges) become finalists
Feather Awards Finalists
What are we looking for?
·
We are
looking for the ladies and contributions that truly stand out from the rest
·
Women
who are determined and vision-driven and who are most likely to continue making
a difference
Process from Finalist to winner:
·
Finalists are advised of status
·
All
finalists need to confirm & supply:
o
Attendance to Gala Event
o
Supply
additional information, photos and answers to questions
o
Confirm
that they will embark on Media interviews or Charity/Mentorship if they win the
category in question
·
Finalist
profiles are updated and loaded to The Female Tribe website
·
Finalist
profiles and all related information is prepared for final judging event
·
All
finalists and partners join the Gala event in celebration of their achievement
·
A formal
Judging event, attended by all Judges and considering various criteria for each
category establishes the winner of that category (only announced at the Gala
event)
·
Every
finalist is spoiled with gifts
Feather Awards Winners
·
Announced at the formal Gala Event
·
Required
to support charity or mentorship projects and media interviews
·
Receives
a “Feather Awards/Jenna Clifford” Dream Big Trophy and an array of awesome
prizes
·
Winners and profiles are updated to the
Female Tribe Platform & released to the media post event