Following two successful years of celebrating the women transforming homes, businesses and communities through creativity, craftsmanship and innovation, the Women in DIY Excellence Awards are back for a third year, with entries now open for the 2026 awards. Hosted by Brights Hardware, the annual awards recognise women whose DIY projects, renovations, sustainability initiatives and community work are making a meaningful impact across South Africa.
Whether restoring furniture, renovating a home, running a creative side business, championing sustainable living or using DIY skills to uplift local communities, the awards celebrate the many ways women are redefining what DIY looks like today. The awards celebrate the many ways women are making an impact through DIY. Entries are welcomed from across the DIY spectrum, with projects typically including:
- Home DIY, décor and renovation projects from building, repairing and decorating to furniture restoration and creative design.
- Sustainability, upcycling and restoration initiatives – breathing new life into furniture and materials, reducing waste and championing more sustainable living.
- Community and social impact projects – using practical skills to improve shared spaces, support charitable causes and empower local communities.
The competition is open to women from all walks of life, including business owners, tradeswomen, makers, hobbyists, renovators and volunteers. Participants may enter themselves or be nominated by others. Entries should include a summary of the project, the story behind it, and supporting photographs or links to digital portfolios or social media.
More than perfectly finished projects, the awards celebrate the stories behind them, the creativity, determination, problem-solving and passion that inspire others and demonstrate the transformative power of DIY.
Each of the three winners will receive a R5,000 Brights Hardware voucher together with a R5,000 product hamper, giving every winner a total prize value of R10,000 to invest in future projects.
How to enter
Entries should take the form of a short written submission sharing the story behind the work. Whether it’s a passion for transforming homes, breathing new life into old furniture, creating beautiful handmade pieces, championing sustainability, or using DIY skills to make a difference in local communities, the judges want to hear the inspiration, creativity, and journey behind each project.
Submissions should include:
- A written overview explaining the project, what inspired it, how it began, and the journey so far.
- Good-quality photographs or links to social media or digital portfolios showcasing the work.
- Contact details for the entrant or nominee.
- Entries should be emailed to brights@brights.co.za with the subject line Women in DIY Awards Entry by 30 September 2026.
- Winners will be announced on 7 October 2026.
“Over the past two years we’ve been inspired by women from every walk of life who are using their creativity and practical skills to build businesses, improve homes, support communities and challenge stereotypes,” says Orlando Luis, CEO of Brights Hardware.
“The Women in DIY Excellence Awards continue to grow each year, and we’re excited to celebrate the passion and creativity of another group of remarkable women. We hope their stories inspire even more women to pick up tools.”
