Feminist work in religion and social change is accomplished in many ways, not least of which is through writing. Enter WATER’s Essay Contest to see how it is done.
The WATER Essay Contest is an invitation to writers at all stages to submit 650 well-chosen words on a topic related to feminist work for social change that springs from spiritual commitments. Previous winning essays can be found below.
Rosemary Ganley is a Peterborough, Ontario feminist activist and writer whose weekly columns in The Peterborough Examiner reach a wide audience and make waves. She was recently inducted into the Order of Canada, a high honor. WATER commits to following her lead by encouraging writing for a broad audience with a light but well-informed touch.
Politics and the arts, sports, and religion/spirituality, local and global happenings are all fair game. So, too, are ecological themes and humor. Your imagination and activist priorities are the only limits. Write boldly and clearly à la Rosemary. For wonderful examples, see Rosemary’s blog: https://yellowdragonflypress.weebly.com/columns.
WATER 4th Annual Essay Contest
WATER is delighted to announce our 4th annual Essay Contest. The WATER Essay Contest 2026 is an invitation to writers at all stages to submit 650 words on a topic related to feminist work for social change that springs from spiritual commitments. At a time when wars rage, we need all of the thoughtful, inspiring, and practical input we can find, including yours!
Previous winning essays can be found at: https://www.waterwomensalliance.org/programs/water-essay-contest/
Inspiration: Rosemary Burns Ganley
Rosemary Burns Ganley is a Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, feminist activist and writer whose regular columns in The Peterborough Examiner reach a wide audience and create lively conversation. She was inducted into the Order of Canada for her consistent work for justice, especially for women. She writes for a broad audience with a light but very well-informed touch. It works! For a sample of her work, see her blog: https://yellowdragonflypress.weebly.com/columns.
Guidlines
Like Rosemary’s columns, no themes are off the table for this contest. Just write with verve. Inform the reader. Leave no doubt about your own position on the matter. Readers are smart but not experts, so treat them that way. Humor helps. Rosemary suggests that for broad audiences we:
“Skip the ‘God talk’ and let justice, fairness, decency, and democracy carry the day. Spiritual values and images will be evident in creative ways.”
- Registration: First, register with all your information using the contact form. You can find the contact form here: https://www.waterwomensalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/Rosemary-Ganley-Essay-Contest-Contact-Form.docx. Please submit it to waterstaff@hers.com.
- Publication Intent: Please indicate where you will submit your essay for publication after the contest. This will help you to focus on your intended audience.
- Eligibility: People aged 16 and older from all over the world can participate. WATER staff and past recipients are ineligible.
- Deadline: Your essay must be submitted by April 20, 2026 to waterstaff@hers.com with the subject: Rosemary Ganley Essay Contest 2026.
- Format: Submit your essay preferably as a Word document, double-spaced, written in 12 point type using Verdana, Arial, or Calibri fonts.
- Anonymity: Your essay should NOT include your name in the text.
- Word Count: Essays of more than 650 words will not be considered.
- AI Policy: The use of AI is not permitted and will lead to disqualification.
- Required Statement: After the last paragraph of your essay, please write and sign the following statement:
I declare that I completed this essay independently and used only the materials that are listed.
Signature
Evaluation Process
- Your submitted essay will be evaluated by a WATER Committee.
- Up to three writers will receive $650 each for their successful essays.
- Winners will be announced by late April/early May 2026. Essays chosen for the prizes will be published on WATER’s website.
Questions? If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mary E. Hunt at mhunt@hers.com.
Submit your essay by April 20, 2026 to waterstaff@hers.com.
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2025 Essay Contest Winners
2024 Essay Contest Winners
