During Women’s History Month, Women Walking West is launching its annual Essay Contest.
In its tenth year, historically, this contest was run in the fall, but we feel it appropriate, during the month of celebrating women, to launch 2026’s and future years of storywriting for the springtime.
The theme for 2026 is The Power of Three: Women Who Transformed My Life.
Submissions will be accepted from Monday March 23, 2026 until Monday May 4, 2026.

If you are a current mentee, please consider writing a story and submitting it. Interested in becoming a mentee and receiving support for your higher educational pursuits, fill out our information so we can connect and help you. https://cms.womenwalkingwest.org/

We have grown to admire these stories of courage, resilience, bravery, and strength.
https://womenwalkingwest.org/

2026 Essay Contest

WHAT: Identify 3 women in your life and craft a story about them and how they have impacted your life. Write a story, minimum 1000 words, 12 pt size font, double spaced.

DUE: submit your writing between March 23 and May 4, 2026.

WHEN ANNOUNCED: Winners will be notified by May 26, 2026

Official Contest Rules:

• Participants must be born outside of the United States and be 18 years of age or older.
• All essays must be submitted before or on Monday, May 4, 2026 for consideration. Winners will be notified by May 26, 2026.
• If you have entered the contest before, you may do so again. However, if you have previously won, we congratulate you, but you are excluded from this year’s prizes.
• Send your essay in Word or PDF format to: essaycontest@womenwalkingwest.org
• PRIZES: Cash Awards (checks written) – $500, $300, $200. Each winner will be given a ticket to our RISE Gala on Thursday November 5, 2026. Checks are mailed to winners after June 1, 2026. All Essay Contest winners will be recognized at our Gala.

Donate to W3: https://givebutter.com/W3Donations

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