Applications for prestigious awards for women entrepreneurs and philanthropists as part of KazanForum 2026 are now being accepted

On March 16, 2026, applications for international awards for women in business started to be accepted as part of the “Female Perspective” track of the KazanForum business program. The main goals of the awards are to assist in achieving success, promoting business projects and personal brands that are key to ensuring progress in strengthening ties between Russia and the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, as well as charitable projects that improve people’s lives.

The international awards named after Zubaidah bint Jafar “Halal Business Woman” and “Halal Charity Woman” will be presented at KazanForum for the third time this year. Last year, representatives from Russia, Cameroon, India, the UAE and Ghana took part in the contest.

The “Halal Business Woman” Award recognizes women who demonstrate outstanding ability, entrepreneurial spirit, innovative business approaches and a passion for creating high-quality halal products and services. Last year winner was Gulnara Nurullina, Director General of HAYAT (Russia).

“Halal Charity Woman” is a charity award for women who demonstrate outstanding qualities of humanity, compassion, empathy and are ready to provide help and support to those who need it. Atouma Marie Bernadette, CEO of AMB SERVICES (Cameroon), was the winner of this award last year.

Among the criteria for evaluating participants, the organizers note compliance with Halal standards in the organization of business and charitable activities, as well as the influence of professional activity, its ability to become the basis for dialogue, which turns into an invisible bridge between cultures.

“International recognition of women’s initiatives and implemented projects on the sidelines of the Forum is, among other things, a demonstration of Russia’s friendly ways to rapprochement with the Islamic world through common values for the benefit of global society. The Women’s Forum provides the basis for joint international achievements,” said Taliya Minullina, Chief Executive of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency.

The first qualifying stage takes place from March 16 to April 15. The participants’ documents and materials are to be checked for compliance with the conditions of the awards at the verification stage, until April 30. The committee of experts will study the materials, evaluate each participant and select the winners until May 12. The final stage of the award and the Awarding Ceremony will take place on May 15, 2026 in Kazan during the KazanForum.

You can apply for participation until April 15, 2026 on the KazanForum website:

Halal Business Woman
Halal Charity Woman

You can register for the Forum following the link. Registration is open until April 30, 2026.

The full program of the event is available on the official website of the Forum. See you at KazanForum 2026!

The Roscongress Foundation acts as the Operator for the preparation and holding of the Event and the executive directorate of the operator is the ANO “Directorate for Sports and Social Projects”.