The international Women Changing the World Awards (WCWA) celebrate leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, and change-makers whose work delivers measurable and meaningful impact on communities and society at large.
More than just a way of recognising professional success, the WCWA highlight women whose achievements are paired with responsibility, ethics, and contribution to the greater good.
Brought to life by Kamila Paličková, the very first Czech and Slovak edition of the awards took place in Prague on 12th February. During a full day of celebrations and an evening gala, 29 categories were presented – 19 during the afternoon ceremony and 10 during the evening gala. The event was moderated by Petr Vojnar and Kamila Paličková . The program also included a unique special award for men, the first of its kind globally, honouring those who actively support women’s leadership and equal opportunities, and a musical performance by Markéta Fassati (world-class soprano), and Felix Slováček Jr. (clarinet & saxophone).
KAMILA PALIČKOVÁ
Founder of the Czech and Slovak WCWA Edition
An entrepreneur, mentor, and visionary focused on empowering women in business and leadership, Kamila Paličková has built educational platforms, communities, and mentoring programs that connect strategy, entrepreneurship, and authenticity. After receiving the global WCW Award herself in the Global Coach category, she decided to bring this prestigious opportunity to women in her home region.
Kamila also serves as a UN Representative aligned with a UN ECOSOC Mission, where she contributes to initiatives related to sustainable development, leadership, and women’s empowerment on an international level.
She has been named one of the TOP 10 Women Disruptors to Watch by MSN and received the Global Mentor of the Year title at the Forttuna Global Excellence Awards in Dubai, as well as Leadership Coach of the Year by IMPAAKT magazine.
Her long-term vision is not only to celebrate success, but also build a sustainable ecosystem that helps women grow, lead, and create meaningful change.
The evening culminated with the main Woman of the Year title, whose winner, Alexandra Janečková, will represent the region at the global finals in Paris on 22nd April.
The initiative also carries a strong philanthropic dimension. Part of the licensing fees contribute to the educational foundation of global ambassador Dr. Tererai Trent (a Zimbabwean-American scholar whose life’s work demonstrates how education can transform entire generations), supporting the construction of schools in Zimbabwe and helping girls access education instead of early marriage and motherhood. In this way, the WCWA connect achievement with responsibility – and recognition with real-world impact.
Besides a global ambassador, the Czech and Slovak edition has its own face: international model, producer, and entrepreneur Katarina Van Derham, who actively promotes women’s confidence, independence, and creative expression. As ambassador, she helps amplify the project’s message internationally and connects it with global audiences.
World-class soprano Markéta Fassati
Performance by Felix Slováček Jr.
JURY AND PROFESSIONAL CREDIBILITY
The credibility of the WCW awards is supported by a distinguished jury composed of respected leaders from the fields of business, media, and academia.
A key figure is Lenka Šťastná, President of Business & Professional Women CR and a long-standing advocate for equal opportunities and women’s leadership.
Other jury members include: Anna Plechatá Krausová, Rector of NEWTON University, Tereza Zavadilová, Publisher of Newstream.cz, Margareta Křížová, Business Mentor and Advisor specializing in strategy, mergers, and acquisitions, and Ondřej Dvouletý, Associate Professor at the Department of Entrepreneurship at Prague University of Economics and Business (VŠE).
The jury evaluates not only financial performance, but also innovation, ethical leadership, social contribution, and long-term impact.
Lenka Šťastná