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Esprit de Corps Magazine has begun accepting nominations for its 2026 Women in Defence Award, an annual recognition highlighting women who have made significant contributions across the Canadian defence landscape. The award, now a long-standing feature of the publication’s coverage, aims to capture the depth and diversity of work being done by women in military, civilian, academic, and industry roles.
According to the magazine, nominees can come from virtually any sector connected to defence, from uniformed members of the Canadian Armed Forces to veterans, public servants, industry leaders, academics, and volunteers supporting military communities at local and national levels. Civilian employees within the defence team, members of military-focused non-profit organizations, and media professionals covering defence issues are also eligible.
Those putting forward a nominee are asked to provide full contact information for both themselves and their candidate, along with written statements addressing each of the award’s five evaluation criteria. These include the nominee’s achievements, sustained commitment to service, leadership qualities, and efforts to break down barriers within their field. Additional details, such as community involvement or extracurricular work, may also be included.
Submissions must be sent by email and received by January 9, 2026. The magazine’s Award Selection Committee is expected to review all entries and issue recommendations by February 1, 2026.
Nominees will be assessed on how clearly their contributions are demonstrated in the material submitted. Achievement can range from professional certifications and awards to participation in defence-related groups. Commitment is evaluated through longevity of service and examples of dedication. Leadership may include mentorship or advocacy efforts, while the “breaking down barriers” category focuses on work that promotes diversity or drives institutional change.
Those selected will be contacted for a short interview before being profiled in the March 2026 edition of Esprit de Corps (Volume 33, Issue 2). The feature has become a platform for showcasing women whose influence often reaches across the broader defence community, offering readers insight into the people shaping policy, culture, and operational effectiveness.
The magazine reminds nominators to ensure all contact information is included when submissions are sent to nominations@espritdecorps.ca.
