The awards recognise the achievements of Australia’s most influential female leaders and are designed to increase the visibility of women’s leadership and highlight the important contribution women make in creating a bold and diverse future for Australia.

Applicants are invited across 10 categories: Arts, Culture and Sport; Board and Management; Business and Entrepreneur; Diversity and Inclusion; Global Innovation; Local and Regional; Public Policy; Social Enterprise and Not-for-profit; and Young Leader.

The 100 Women of Influence Awards has recognised some of Australia’s most formidable and talented individuals. Past overall winners include Moya Dodd, Ann Sherry AO, Elizabeth Broderick AO, Professor Adele Green AC, and Jan Owen AM.

The awards are intended to encourage the widest possible range of women to enter or be nominated and show their contribution. To do that, judging will focus on quality and impact rather than the scale or seniority of a woman’s role.

The Australian Financial Review managing editor Joanne Gray, who will lead the judging panel for the awards, said this year, the judges will be looking for women who invest their time and energy into helping other women make the most of their potential.

“These women will advocate for change every day – in their workplace, their community, their peer group and wherever decisions are made.

“These women confront unfairness and don’t take no for an answer.

“They identify what needs to be done and roll up their sleeves to do it. These are women who use their skills and talents to help change the status quo and create a more equitable society.”

To enter this year's The Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence awards, go to www.afrwomenofinfluence.com.au.

If you wish to nominate someone else, the deadline is Friday, July 6. The nominee will then be alerted by email and must enter by July 10. 

If you nominate yourself, entries must be submitted by Tuesday, July 10, 2018.

Finalists will be announced on 4 September, ahead of a gala awards night at Sydney’s Town Hall on 17 October, where 10 category winners and an overall winner will be crowned.