VIVE Awards

The Minister's Award for Excellence in Championing Gender Equality

Overview

The Minister’s Award for Excellence in Championing Gender Equality – VIVE (Visionary, Inspirational, Vibrant, Empowered) honours New Brunswick individuals who are advancing gender equality in their communities, workplaces, and across government.

Presented annually, in celebration of International Women’s Day, the awards celebrate changemakers in six champion categories. The six categories are: government champion, business champion, community champion, youth champion, Indigenous champion, and everyday champion.

Since 2021, VIVE recipients have been recognized for their leadership, impact, and commitment to equity and inclusion across the province.

VIVE Awards logo

Categories

Government champion
The government champion is someone who demonstrates a steadfast commitment to policy changes that empower women and/or gender diverse people. They may work for a government institution or agency (including healthcare and education), crown corporation, military, and law enforcement. They may be a politician, elected official, public servant, or researcher. Their leadership may ensure diverse representation in decision-making roles. They may allocate resources to address gender-based disparities or foster inclusive programs. Through partnerships and collaboration, they drive progress in the province. Their work may amplify under-recognized voices or address intersectional challenges.
Business champion
The business champion uses their professional acumen to create positive and meaningful changes for the economic security of women and/or gender diverse people. They may ensure equal representation at all levels of their company, fostering a balanced workforce. Their leadership style promotes open dialogue on gender issues, leading to innovative solutions. They may actively mentor and empower women and/or gender diverse folks, enabling career growth and leadership development. They may work with measurable initiatives, such as efforts to bridge wage gaps and implement family-friendly policies. Their advocacy may extend beyond the workplace, promoting gender equality in the wider business community. Their efforts result in tangible progress that inspires others to follow suit. They may be a CEO, senior executive, entrepreneur, professional, agency, company, or organization.

Community champion
The community champion is someone who identified a local community need or issue and dedicated their own time and resources to initiating meaningful change regarding this cause. What may have started as a volunteer cause could now be a full-time or paid role that improves the lives of women and/or gender diverse people in New Brunswick. They may harness the time, talent, and capacity to help create opportunities for women and/or gender diverse people. They may be a founding member, administrator, board member, or other community-minded leader.
Youth champion
The youth champion is under the age of 25 and a person who actively works to advance gender equality while embodying determination, empathy, and leadership. They may promote inclusivity, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for equal opportunities. Through innovative initiatives, they inspire positive change and generate important dialogue. Their collaborative approach may unite diverse voices, break down barriers, and empower others to become agents of change. With resilience and vision, they push for systemic shifts, demonstrating that age is no obstacle to fostering a more equitable future.

Indigenous champion
The Indigenous champion is an Indigenous woman or Two Spirit person who has made significant strides in advancing gender equality or reducing systemic discrimination. They may be someone who works to address violence against Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. They may be an Elder, advocate, community member, leader in politics, education, arts and culture, social justice, environmental advocacy, economic development, or other fields. They may have made significant efforts to preserve, revitalize, and promote the culture, heritage, and language of Indigenous people in New Brunswick. The Indigenous champion has had a significant and positive impact on others, inspiring and empowering people in their communities.

*Please note that Indigenous people can and should be nominated in any VIVE category for which their contributions toward advancing gender equality align. This category was specifically created to acknowledge the cultural significance of Indigenous people and the importance of their leadership and civic engagement.

Everyday champion
The everyday champion is someone who embodies inclusivity and respect for gender equality in their daily life. They may challenge gender stereotypes, support equal opportunities, and confront bias and discrimination. Their actions may create environments for important dialogue, promoting awareness and understanding. They may uplift underrecognized groups and advocate for equity. Through small yet impactful acts, they may contribute to dismantling gender norms and limited expectations. Their commitment to equality extends to all aspects of life, inspiring positive change and creating a more inclusive New Brunswick for everyone.

Eligibility

Nominations are open to individuals or organizations in New Brunswick that demonstrate leadership in advancing gender equality.

The VIVE Awards honour those who have made a meaningful and sustained impact, inspired others, and championed equity and inclusion in their communities, workplaces, or across the province.

You can nominate a person or organization that meets the following criteria:

  • identifies as a New Brunswick woman, Two Spirit, non-binary, or gender-diverse person, or is an organization that promotes gender equity
  • when we say “New Brunswick woman,” we include all who identify as women, regardless of sex assigned at birth, citizenship, or residency status
  • has made a positive impact in their community by working to advance gender equality
  • inspires others through their actions and leadership
  • demonstrates a strong commitment to equity and inclusion
  • resides in or is based in New Brunswick
  • has consented to the nomination

Any New Brunswicker, except current Women's Equality employees and their families, is eligible for nomination.

See past VIVE Award recipients

How to nominate

Review the categories and choose the one that best reflects your nominee’s contributions.

Complete the nomination form