The winner of the award, launched by the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) Women in Sport Committee, will be announced to coincide with the United Nations International Women's Day next year on March 8.

Stakeholders from within the Movement are being asked to nominate someone who they think "embodies the spirit of the Paralympics and who inspires women within it".

This could include an organisation that has been instrumental in promoting or developing sport opportunities for women.

Women have always played a pivotal role in the Paralympic Movement in competitive as well as administrative roles.

Among the most celebrated Paralympians are two women, Polish table tennis player Natalia Partyka and South African swimmer Natalie Du Toit, who each also competed in the Olympics. 

As well as her 13 Paralympic gold medal Du Toit also finished in fourth place in the able-bodied 10km open water event at Beijing 2008 ©Getty Images


Many of the stars of the London 2012 Games were also women,  including British swimmer Ellie Simmonds, winner of two gold medals, and Dutch tennis legend Esther Vergeer,  winner of seven Paralympic gold medals and who won her last 470 singles matches. 

The award adds another dimension to the International Women's Day.

Thousands of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.

This incorporates Governments, charities, educational institutions, women's groups, corporations and the media, with different themes chosen each year relevant to global and local gender issues.

More information on how to nominate someone can be found on the IPC website here.