Baroness Thatcher, who died yesterday at the age of 87, was recognised in 2005 at the 50th anniversary of the Women of the Year Lunch with a Lifetime Achievement Award. We were delighted to have her at the lunch alongside fellow winners that year, which included pop icon Tina Turner and the International Red Cross nurse Claire Bertschinger, who inspired Bob Geldorf to form Band Aid and subsequently Live Aid.

Margaret Thatcher demonstrated that it was possible for a woman to get right to the very top when she became the UK’s first female Prime Minister in 1979 (after winning the Conservative’s leadership election in 1975); an iconic figure, she will be remembered as one of the world’s greatest peace time leaders.

Having shattered the glass ceiling, the extent to which she then advanced the cause for women divides opinion. She allegedly told an adviser that feminism was “poisonous” while, conversely, another of her famous quotes was: “if you want something done, ask a woman; if you want something said, ask a man.”

But, in charting a course from grocer’s daughter to Prime Minister, she changed the course of history – and, Women of the Year hopes – her achievement should be an inspiration for a future generation of women with the ambition of progressing into leadership.

The 2013 Women of the Year Lecture took place on Monday 4 February at the Royal Institution of Great Britain. The guest speaker was the human rights activist and anti-death penalty campaigner Sister Helen Prejean, who was joined in conversation by journalist and ITV broadcaster Julie Etchingham.

Sister Helen was introduced by Women of the Year President Baroness Helena Kennedy, who said that “the opportunity of hearing from this incredible woman was too good to miss.”

Sister Helen recounted her first experiences of working with prisoners on death row in the United States – and of witnessing an execution – and how this determined her life’s work and helped cement her belief in the dignity of human life.

The seventy-three year old New Orleans native spoke of the cultural barriers she has encountered and her commitment to educating people about the realities of capital punishment in order to break these barriers down.

She described her work with death row inmate Patrick Sonnier who was executed in April 1984 and how this experience, along with her encounters with the victims’ families, formed the inspiration for her bestselling book Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States.

Members of the audience were then invited to ask questions and comment on the issues raised. These questions covered the influence of religion, race, women on death row, gun laws and the politics of capital punishment.

In response Sister Helen highlighted the injustice and inhumanity of capital punishment, as well as citing some enlightening statistics about death row inmates and attitudes towards the death penalty.

Guests at the Ri included the ITV London Tonight correspondent Ronke Phillips, Piers Bannister and Claire Jenkins from Amicus, a legal charity helping provide representation for people on death row, Southbank Centre artistic director Jude Kelly and Olympic gold medallist Katherine Grainger.

Sister Helen concluded with a call for people to wake up to the realities of the death penalty and take action to liberate their minds and those of others.

The 2013 lecture ended with Baroness Helena Kennedy presenting Sister Helen with the Women of the Year Lecture Award.

The 2013 Women of the Year lecture was sponsored by Barclays.

Sister Helen is a renowned inspirational speaker and we are delighted she is giving the Women of the Year 2013 Lecture on Monday 4th February at the Royal Institution of Great Britain.

Journalist and ITV broadcaster Julie Etchingham will chat with Sister Helen before taking questions from the audience.

Since 1984, Sister Helen has divided her time between educating people around the world about justice and the death penalty, and counselling individual death row prisoners in America.   She documented her experience with death row inmate Patrick Sonnier in the bestselling book Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States. The book later became an award-winning film starring Susan Sarandon, an opera and a play for schools and colleges. She has since written The Death of Innocents: An Eyewitness Account of Wrongful Executions.

Place: Royal Institution of Great Britain, 21 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4BS
Date: Monday 4th February 2013
Time: The lecture starts at 6.30pm and is followed by a drinks reception.  The evening concludes at 9.15pm

All past attendees of the lunch are invited to attend and to bring a guest and, unlike the lunch, men are very welcome to attend.

If you would like to attend please let Event Manager Mary Krauss know, either via email enquiries@womenoftheyear.co.uk or telephone 020 8732 8874, as soon as possible.

The tickets are £25 each and are issued on a strictly ‘first come first served’ basis

** Lunch & Awards celebrate women’s dedication, success and achievements **

This year’s Women of the Year Lunch & Awards took place today (Monday 22 October) at the InterContinental London Park Lane. Five awards were presented to exceptional women who have each proved an inspiration to others through their courage, selflessness, dedication and achievement.

The 2012 Women of the Year Award winners are:

•         Barclays Women of the Year Award: The Iraqi-American women’s rights activist, author and co-founder of Women for Women International Zainab Salbi

•         Good Housekeeping Women of the Year Award: Team GB Olympic & Paralympic Women Medallists

•         Sacla’ Women of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award: Best-selling crime writer & Life Peer P.D. James

•         Women of the Year Award: Campaigner for justice, following the murder of her son Stephen in 1993, Doreen Lawrence

•         ITV1’s Lorraine Inspirational Woman of the Year Award was been won (on a viewers’ vote) by: Kate Woolveridge who has been recognised for her tireless work to promote awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in Cardiff through her work with the “Forget me nots choir”

Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, President of the Women of the Year, said: “The magic of this event – and what makes it unique – is the way in which it brings together the most fabulous women from the widest range of geographical, social, ethnic and political backgrounds; from the very well-known to unsung heroines doing outstanding work in their community.

“Our special winners today embody this: from P.D. James, the best-selling crime writer, to women’s rights activist and author, Zainab Salbi, and from the brilliant Team GB Olympic and Paralympic women medallists to Doreen Lawrence, who has campaigned tirelessly for the victims of racist crime and reform of the police service.

“Their achievements, dedication and passion are an inspiration to women everywhere, encouraging us all to fulfil our ambitions, support others and stand up for what we believe in.”

Clare Blampied, Managing Director of Sacla’ UK, presented the Award and said, “Lady James is an inspirational winner for Sacla’, loved by generations for her wonderful books written over the past 50 years and for her amazing energy, passion and enthusiasm for everything she tackles. Her impressive career is motivating if a little daunting for us all! ”

Lindsay Nicholson, Editorial Director, Good Housekeeping, said of Team GB’s Olympic & Paralympic Women Medallists, “London 2012 was – undeniably – the women’s Olympics. Our incredible Olympians and Paralympians broke new records and won more medals than ever before. But, for me, most importantly they sent out a message to all young women that there is so much more to aspire to physically than being Size Zero.”

Olympian and Paralympian athletes at the Women of the Year Lunch included Katherine Grainger, Rebecca Adlington, Beth Tweddle, Zoe Newson, Samantha Murray, Christine Ohuruogu,  and Sarah Storey.

In presenting Doreen Lawrence with her award Beverley Knight said, “It is a joy to present such a quietly courageous, determined and humble woman, as Doreen certainly is, with an award. I have admired her for years, the grace with which she has dealt with injustice after cruel injustice on both sides of the law to eventually see some resolution.  She is the embodiment of the saying “never give up”.”

The winners were selected by a judging panel. President and Chair of Women of the Year, Baroness Kennedy and Teresa Graham, were joined by a terrific line-up of judges from across a wide variety of sectors including: Camila Batmanghelidjh, Chief Executive, Kids Company; Melanie Dawes, Director General of the Economic & Domestic Affairs Secretariat at the Cabinet Office; Ronke Phillips, ITV London correspondent and Jasvinder Sanghera, CEO & Founder of Karma Nirvana, a support group for victims of honour violence.

Every one of the 400 guests at the lunch is recognised as a ‘Woman of the Year’, and is celebrated for their achievements and contribution to society. They represent not only themselves but the millions of extraordinary women who make a difference every day.

There were also some familiar faces amongst the attendees, including Lorraine Kelly, Dame Mary Archer, Kathy Lette, Maureen Lipman, and Fifty Shades of Grey author, E L James.

The ceremony was hosted by Sandi Toksvig and the awards were presented by actress Dame Helen Mirren DBE, singer and actress Beverley Knight, broadcasters Sue MacGregor and Lorraine Kelly and the Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP.

The 2012 Women of the Year Lunch is sponsored by Barclays, Good Housekeeping, Sacla’ and ITV1’s Lorraine.

http://www.karmanirvana.org.uk/

This year, Jasvinder was part of the judging panel which selected the winners of the special awards for 2012.

Jasvinder reflects on her experience at the Women of the Year Lunch in 2007, and what winning an Award meant to her.

“It was the most enlightening experience to be amongst so many inspirational women at the Woman of the Year Lunch. It’s a reminder of how, when women come together for a common purpose, there can be great strength in unity. The Lunch is also a fantastic networking opportunity.

“It’s difficult to express what receiving the award felt like as I had so many emotions. As women we are united by many struggles, and I have had my fair share of those, so it was a privilege to be recognised!

“I am somebody’s daughter, sister and mother, albeit disowned by my family for standing against a forced marriage. The award was again validation that I had made the right choice as it acknowledged my contribution across the world to the cause. It’s these kinds of awards that keep you going as a reminder of how one woman’s experience is that of many and, importantly, that I am not alone. The ceremonies are so important for remembering the many advocates out there – many of whom give up their own peace of mind in order to help others – and for making sure that these women are recognised, supported and held with the greatest of respect and admiration.

“I was delighted to be asked to be a judge this year and jumped at the chance! To be part of something that acknowledges women who make changes for the greater good is a privilege and a blessing. It is difficult to make such decisions but the calibre of the judges and applications was extremely high and it was a great experience to be around the table.

“The women who continue to inspire me are survivors and I hear from and meet many of them. Out of their own courage they learn to walk again in order to fly – many with little support. They represent many women and their voices keep me inspired. As a society it is so important that we not only hear them but engage with them.

“I would say my biggest achievement is the charity Karma Nirvana, whose work continues to reach thousands of victims who can seek help through the national Helpline. The work has changed the way people tackle forced marriages, creating laws and changing attitudes that continue to create societal change – and this is now spreading internationally.

“My second biggest achievement is my book Shame, in which I share my personal story. I could not have imagined that its impact would be so great that it helped to create a new law in the UK, and is often referred to as a political weapon! Last but not least my three children, whose lives were also blighted by their mother being disowned – there is a gap on their mother’s side that has never been filled. They are one of my greatest achievements as my family told me I was dead in their eyes and that not only I would fail, but also my children. They are the most loving, compassionate and driven children and inspire me every day.

“My goals are to take these issues to a greater level, and our work has already turned the Prime Minister’s head to the degree that he has pledged to make this a criminal offence next year. My work is increasingly taking me to the international arena as I would like to replicate our achievements in the UK across countries the world over. I think I have made a significant start and now others are taking the reins, which is how it should be. As I write my new novel I cannot help thinking of the Parliamentary change it could inspire. Who knows… there is much for me still to do and I am as passionate and committed as I was back in 1993 about contributing towards changes for the many women in our communities whose experiences matter so much. Watch this space…”

Please describe your experience at the Women of the Year lunch in October 2011.

I was absolutely thrilled to be invited to the lunch and to be in a room with so many inspirational and fantastic women, whose achievements range from being out in Afghanistan on the front line as paramedics, to suffragettes and well-known celebrities who have been wonderful role models to other women. It really was a unique experience and one that I’ll remember forever.

What did winning the Sainsbury’s Women of the Year “You can” award mean to you?

I was absolutely blown away and humbled to have won an award. Also Pam Warren presented it to me which really was a wonderful thing because she had been such an inspiration and a really good friend to me throughout my recovery. To be acknowledged in that way was amazing. It felt strange because I felt like I was accepting the award on behalf of everyone who helped me and supported me along my way.

Why are awards ceremonies, like the Women of the Year Lunch, important?

I’ve been to lots of award ceremonies where awards are given out that might seem slightly frivolous – for example, for best-dressed woman or best hair or best make-up. The Women of the Year lunch and awards really get to the heart of what being a woman means – they acknowledge a wide range of professions, with different women from diverse backgrounds and their incredible achievements. I think it’s important, in particular for the younger generation, to be made aware of the variety of roles that women can take on in modern society and all the achievements they can make. And for those women who receive the accolade, it’s incredibly important to feel appreciated and be acknowledged.

Which women have been an inspiration in your life, and why?

The biggest inspiration in my life is my mum. She has given me, my brother and sister a fantastic stable and loving upbringing and she’s been a wonderful wife to my dad. She’s taught us how to be strong, remain dignified and get the most from life.
My biggest celebrity inspiration is Jacqueline Gold, for all her achievements in business, her contributions to charity and being a fantastic role model for young women whilst also managing to be a wife and mother at the same time as being an achiever in business.

What has been your biggest achievement to date and what goals do you have for the future?

I’d say my biggest achievement to date is actually my recovery and just becoming part of society again. I’ve got lots of personal goals for the future, with regards to my confidence and my continued recovery, medically; and I suppose my biggest goals would be concerning the Katie Piper Foundation. I want to ensure the longevity of the charity, securing funds, expanding and supporting more and more burn survivors as well as changing the perception of disfigurement in society.

Viewers were asked to nominate the women in their lives who have inspired them and their community. From hundreds of incredible entries Lorraine Kelly, Baroness Helena Kennedy, President of the Women of the Year, and Denise Lewis have picked three exceptional women as nominees: Linda Graham from Hammersmith, London, Kate Woolveridge from Cardiff and Anita Templar from Buckinghamshire.

They will all appear on ITV’s Lorraine on the week of the 15th of October and viewers will be able to phone in to vote for their winner. Each nominee has made an amazing contribution to their community and helped change lives for the better.

-Linda Graham’s nomination came after ten years fostering fifty-three children many of whose parents have had issues with alcohol and substance dependency. The youngest of these children was just six hours old and the oldest was twelve.  All of the children she fostered successfully went onto adoption. She has adopted two children herself, including a child with severe cerebral palsy.

-Kate Woolveridge has been recognised for her tireless work to promote awareness of Alzheimer’s disease in Cardiff. Last year she started a choir called ‘Forget me Nots’ for people suffering with the disease. Kate organises concerts and fundraising events for the choir that also focuses on support for the sufferer’s loved ones.

- Anita Templar has been nominated for her work with Horizon Sports Club, which she established in 1998.  Since its launch Horizon has enabled around 300 children and young people with special needs and disabilities in South Buckinghamshire to participate in various sports, from swimming to tennis, athletics to football.

Lorraine Kelly, says of the nominees, “It was so tough to choose just three women to go through to the final of our Women of the Year award, as all of the entries were incredible.

The three of them are amazing, and they go that extra mile to make a huge difference to their community. Linda, Anita and Kate are simply inspirational and their stories are so touching and humbling.

“I am truly in awe of all three of them and really wish them all the very best of luck, and I am glad it is down to our viewers to choose the overall winner.”

The three ITV1’s Lorraine Inspirational Woman of the Year nominees will attend the Women of the Year Lunch on 22 October, joining 400 other incredible women from all walks of life, each selected for their personal contribution to society.

The winner of ITV1’s Lorraine Inspirational Woman of the Year will be announced during the lunch and will appear on the programme the following day.

For more information watch ITV1 on Monday from 8.30am or visit http://www.itv.com/lorraine/hottopics/woman-of-the-year/

Lorraine is broadcast Monday-Friday, 8.30am – 9.25am on ITV1 following Daybreak. Hosted by Lorraine Kelly, the show features a mix of entertainment, human interest stories, topical debates on the day’s news, and the best in lifestyle, food and fashion features.

The Sacla’ Women of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award was given to singer, television personality and businesswoman Lulu in 2011. The Award recognised her impressive career spanning six decades and her work with charities including the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF).

Describe your experience at the Lunch
It was such an honour to be invited to the Women of the Year Lunch. The women who attend have achieved great things sometimes on the national or international stage but also women who quietly work within their communities doing great work day in and day out . . . I was humbled to be among such a group and meet these special women, including a wonderful, spirited lady called Hetty Bower who was an anti war campaigner – and is now 106 and still campaigning.

What did winning the Sacla’ Women of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award mean to you?
When I attended the Lunch in the past, I was so moved by the amazing women who were being recognised. It was beyond my wildest imagination to be a part of this. I am just so proud and humbled to have been given the award.

Lulu is pictured with Clare Blampied, Managing Director of Sacla’

Why are award ceremonies like the Women of the Year lunch important?
Ceremonies like this demonstrate the power we have as individuals to make a difference. When women roll up their sleeves, there is no end to what they can achieve. And these women do life-changing, often thankless work on a daily basis. They don’t do it for honours or fanfare, but because they have a genuine desire to help. Their spirit is the backbone of Britain and it represents a selflessness that we all can learn from.

Which women have been inspirations in your life and why?
I have been inspired by so many women over the years and actually many of my close friends inspire me on a daily basis. My mother inspired me to follow my dreams. My former manager Marian was an inspiration because she taught me to challenge myself. My business partner Gail Federici is a constant inspiration because she possesses a childlike curiosity and is always encouraging me to learn something new . . .

I am inspired by Michelle Obama for her strength, beauty, her commitment to community service and her beautiful family. I am inspired by Aung San Suu Kyi for her strength and quiet dignity. I am inspired by Beyonce for her sheer talent.

What has been your biggest achievement to date and what goals do you have for the future?
Well I have enjoyed both personal and professional achievements. I’d count my family and those relationships as some of my proudest accomplishments. Professionally, I’ve been able to fill my life with two of my passions, music and beauty products. Music is without a doubt my first love, and having a career and making a life out of singing is something for which I am eternally grateful. Getting into products and launching Time Bomb at age 58 has also been such a fulfilling experience. As for the future, I am very much someone who looks forward and not back – so hopefully my greatest achievement is still to come. I am certain I don’t understand the word ‘retirement’ and want to keep on singing and working as long as possible!

The research, based on a study of more than 2,000 Good Housekeeping readers and friends of Women of the Year, was conducted to discover those women who have pushed the frontiers of human rights, science and politics.

For the last 90 years Good Housekeeping has celebrated women’s achievements and for its October Special Anniversary issue (published today, Monday 3 September) has compiled a list of 50 of the most influential women from the last century.

The Good Housekeeping and Women of the Year top 10 most influential women of the last century are:

1.    The Queen  (59%)
2.    Marie Curie  (57%)
3.    Emmeline Pankhurst (54%)
4.    Mother Teresa  (53%)
5.    Margaret Thatcher  (44%)
6.    Aung San Suu Kyi   (40%)
7.    Diana, Princess of Wales  (35%)
8.    J K Rowling  (32%)
9.    Dame Judi Dench  (31%)
10.    Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson (29%)

Good Housekeeping Editorial Director Lindsay Nicholson says, “Most of us can’t remember a time when The Queen wasn’t leading the country. For 60 years she has been in our lives, yet managed to remain an enigma – poised, graceful and always polite. She is a deserved winner but also congratulations to all 50 inspirational women on our list for dedicating their lives to help change those of others.”

Teresa Graham CBE, Chairman of Women of the Year says, “Women of the Year celebrates the ‘extraordinary’ in real women. Women who are mothers, sisters, daughters, grandmothers; women from all walks of life, all countries and all professions and a huge variety of jobs. This top ten list of influential women, reflects the rich diversity of women’s achievements. By celebrating and championing exceptional women – both famous and unknown – we will inspire the next generation to go on to fulfil their potential.”

The Women Who Changed Our Lives article is in the October Special Anniversary issue
of Good Housekeeping, on sale Monday 3 September.

Good Housekeeping has been a sponsor of the Women of the Year Lunch for the past decade.

Viewers will be invited to nominate an inspirational woman in their lives, before choosing a winner from the final three nominees. The three ITV1’s Lorraine Inspirational Woman of the Year nominees will attend the Women of the Year lunch on 22 October, joining 400 other incredible women from all walks of life, each selected for their personal contribution to society. The winner of ITV1’s Lorraine Inspirational Woman of the Year will be announced during the lunch and will appear on the programme the following day.

For more information on how to nominate an inspirational woman for the award, watch ITV1 on Monday from 8.30am or visit http://www.itv.com/lorraine/hottopics/woman-of-the-year/

Jackie Millerchip , a child minder from Hinckley in Leicestershire, was awarded the first ever ITV1’s Lorraine Inspirational Woman of the Year Award at the 2011 Women of the Year Lunch.

Jackie was nominated by a friend who felt that she didn’t get enough recognition for her work caring for able-bodied children alongside those with severe disabilities. Jackie was selected as the overall winner by viewers of ITV1’s Lorraine.

Speaking about the 2012 award, Lorraine Kelly said: “After the inspirational stories that were uncovered in last year’s search, I’m looking forward to learning about more extraordinary women this year. This award is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible, and often unsung, achievements of women who have each made a real difference to the lives of people around them.”

Denise Lewis said: “I am so excited to be joining the search for the UK’s most inspirational woman. There are some amazing women out there and this award will recognise their achievements and hopefully inspire other woman as well.”

Lorraine is broadcast Monday-Friday, 8.30am – 9.25am on ITV1 following Daybreak. Hosted by Lorraine Kelly, the show features a mix of entertainment, human interest stories, topical debates on the day’s news, and the best in lifestyle, food and fashion features.

Broadcasting live from a new look studio from 3rd September, the show features interviews with celebrities, both in the UK and live from Hollywood, as well as with ordinary people with extraordinary, inspirational stories. http://www.itv.com/lorraine/hottopics/woman-of-the-year/