Sejima was named the 2016 recipient of the Jane Drew Prize, honoring her contribution to the status of women in architecture.
On March 7, 2016, Kazuyo Sejima was announced as the recipient of the Jane Drew Prize, an award established to honor individuals who have raised the profile of women in architecture through their work, leadership, or advocacy.
Named after pioneering British modernist architect Jane Drew, the prize recognizes architects whose contributions have had a significant impact on gender equity and representation within the profession, whether through built work, mentorship, or public visibility as a role model.
Sejima's recognition reflected both her personal achievements—including her Pritzker Prize win and her historic Venice Biennale directorship—and her broader influence in demonstrating that women could lead major international architectural practices and reshape the discourse of contemporary design.
The award was presented as part of the Architects' Journal Women in Architecture Awards, an annual event highlighting gender diversity issues within the field. Sejima's selection reinforced her role as a trailblazer whose visibility helped inspire younger generations of women entering architecture, an industry that has historically struggled with gender parity in leadership and recognition.