The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), has an institutionalized annual initiative called Woman Exemplar Awards which aims at recognizing those women, who have at the grassroots and against all odds, excelled and contributed significantly to the development of their communities. This award is given in the category of Education, Health & Micro-enterprise.
The award comprises a cash reward of Rs 3,00,000 (three lacs) to each of the three awardees, apart from highlighting their success stories amongst the CII membership as well as media with the objective of highlighting their work & achievement for further support and enhancement. The Awards follow a stringent process of selection, where 3 candidates from each category are shortlisted, out of a large number of nominations received from across India. As a practice, followed every year, the Award is given out during the CII's Annual Session in the midst of senior policy makers, industry leaders and media representatives.
Introduced in 2005, the initiative has successfully completed 10 years in 2014 and is now being taken forward by the CII Foundation.
The Award is called EXEMPLAR because the talented awardees set an example for others, igniting the spirit and the belief that they too can be empowered. The awardees are self-motivated individuals, exhibiting strong leadership skills.