The Cross of Merit for Women and Girls, or literally Women and Virgins (Ehrenkreuz für Frauen und Jungfrauen), was created on 22 March 1871 by Kaiser Wilhelm I, German Emperor, in his capacity as King of Prussia.

The award was presented only to women, but was not a Ladies Order in the most narrow sense.

On the reverse there is the royal crown above the intertwined monograms "A" and "W" and the date of 1870–1871.

The cross was worn from suspended by a bow on the left chest.

The ribbon is the same as that of the Iron Cross for non-combatants, white with black stripes at the edge.