Hugo Award

aka The Science Fiction Achievement Award. First awarded in 1953, although retrospective awards for 1951 and 1946 were awarded.

given by the World Science Fiction Society (WSFS) based on a popular vote of the membership of the WSFS and delivered at Worldcon.

Here is a page with clear information about [to participate in the Hugo nomination process]. Basically you pay around 40 bucks membership dues, and then you can vote for the Hugos! see Hugo Award Winners

First given to a woman in 1960 for fanzine Cry of the Nameless: Elinor Busby, jointly with F.M. Busy, Burnett Toskey, and Wally Weber, editors.

First given to a woman for individual achievement in 1962: Cele Goldsmith, "Special Award", for editing Amazing and Fantastic.

First given to a woman for writing in 1968: Anne McCaffrey for novella "Weyr Search"