The shortlisting and selection process for the award, which goes to a person or organisation who members believe embodies the Paralympic spirit and inspires women in Para-sport, will be led by the IPC’s Women in Sport Committee, chaired by Tine Rindum Teilmann.

The deadline for nominations is February 7, with the winner due to be announced on International Women’s Day on March 8.

"In 2018, the Women in Sport recognition will highlight an outstanding person or organisation who has committed to raise the bar and make change toward gender equality in the Paralympic Movement," Teilmann said.

"I am proud that our organisation has such fantastic role models for others to follow and learn from.

"The Recognition will help acknowledge the great effort which is being done around the world to make Para-sport on the top of the gender equality agenda.

"To all our members, please put your nomination forward and let us together celebrate the fantastic role models who work hard daily to secure more opportunities for women and girls in sport."

The 2017 International Women’s Day Recognition was given to Dr Cheri Blauwet.

A seven-time Paralympic medallist in wheelchair racing, Blauwet retired from her athletic career in 2008 and was praised for "extending her legacy far beyond the field of play".

The American maintained an active sports medicine practice at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, and she also serves as an assistant professor in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School.

Her published research has helped to increase participation in Para-sport, studying injury rates and causes specific to athletes and using sports to promote disability rights.

Carla Qualtrough received the award in 2016, when she was serving as Canada's Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.

The former swimmer, who won three Paralympic bronze medals across the Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992 Games, took on various roles within the Paralympic Movement following her athletic career.

This came prior to her being elected as the Member of Parliament for Delta in British Columbia, and being named Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Cabinet in November 2015.

In August of last year, Qualtrough succeeded Judy Foote as Minister of Public Services and Procurement after the latter resigned. 

The 2014 prize went to Rima Batalova, the vice-president of the Russian Paralympic Committee, with International Women's Day falling during the Sochi 2014 Games.

Batalova was a middle-distance runner who won 13 Paralympic gold medals in her career.

Spain’s Sylvana Mestre, the then chairperson of IPC Alpine Skiing’s Sport Technical Committee, won the inaugural prize in 2013.

Thousands of events occur every year throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women for International Women’s Day.

Organisations, Governments, charities, educational institutions, women's groups, corporations and the media celebrate the day.

The nomination form has been sent to all IPC members.