Nominations for Daily Life’s annual Women of the Year awards are now open. The awards honour the women who have made Australia a better and fairer place for women to live and work in 2014.

To launch the campaign, Dailylife.com.au has compiled a list of high-impact events and achievements powered by women throughout the year as inspiration for its readers to nominate.

The stories include the campaign against the mass closure of support organisations for homeless women and victims of domestic violence, addressing the gender wealth gap, and condemning the actions of pick-up artist Julien Blanc and X Factor host Redfoo.

Dailylife.com.au is an Aussie lifestyle site for women with more than 1.1 million unique visitors each month, 20% higher than its nearest competitor.

Last year’s Woman of the Year winner was “ADFA Kate”, who remains anonymous. Kate was at the centre of one of the military’s most damning sex scandals. The 20 year-old from Northern NSW bravely fought against entrenched sexism in the military and not only created change within her own organisation, but put the issue on the national agenda.

“Looking back on Daily Life’s expert coverage of issues affecting Australian women, it feels like there is no more important time to recognise, support and celebrate women who forge the path ahead, who inspire us, who do great work and, in particular, who do work that drive women’s issues onto the public agenda,” said Daily Life editor Sarah Oakes (pictured above).

“As Australia’s leading women’s lifestyle destination, we are very proud to present these awards and champion inspiring Australian women.”

A panel of judges will look for the nominees who have made a strong public stand on issues that are important to women. Judging criteria includes the following questions: Is this a woman who empowers other women? Has she been active/outspoken in the past 12 months? How has she used her influence? Has she been innovative? And what has she achieved?

The judging panel includes Daily Life editor Sarah Oakes, deputy editor Candice Chung, Fairfax news director Judith Whelan, Fairfax political sketch writer Jacqueline Maley, Fairfax entertainment editor Monique Farmer, science editor Nicky Phillips, opinion editor Helen Pitt, immigration reporter Sarah Whyte, education reporter Amy McNielidge and health editor Amy Corderoy.

The winners will be announced on December 18.