NEWS: 2011 Awards
October 14, 2011
This year’s Women of the Year Awards have just been announced at the 56th annual Women of the Year Lunch at the InterContinental Hotel in London today. The following five special awards were presented to exceptional women who have each proved an inspiration to others through their courage, selflessness and dedication.
The 2011 Women of the Year winners in full are:
The Women of the Year Lunch was attended by 400 extra-ordinary women from around the UK. Every guest at the Lunch is a ‘Woman of the Year’ and celebrated for her own achievements and contribution to the community. The guests represent not only themselves but the millions of extraordinary women who make a difference every day.
Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, President of the Women of the Year, said: “The magic of this event is that it does what no other awards ceremony manages to do. 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 highlight this: from the incredible Lulu, a national icon whose career has spanned decades yet continues to go from strength to strength, to a group of hugely talented medical professionals making a difference to the lives of wounded British troops; and from one of our most brave and active young campaigners, Katie Piper, to Nawal El Sadaawi, who – as she approaches her landmark 80th birthday – is still inspiring students and women to fight for their beliefs.
“Their achievements, dedication and passion are an inspiration to women everywhere, encouraging us all to fulfill our ambitions, support others and stand up for what we believe in.”
The winners are selected by a diverse cross-section of women represented on the nominating council, consisting of prominent figures from the arts, media, science, politics and a number of other major fields. Women on the council include Maureen Lipman CBE, Sue MacGregor CBE, Mary Nightingale, Dianne Thompson CBE, Nancy Lane OBE, Doreen Lawrence OBE and Virginia Wade OBE.
Katie Piper, 28, commented: “I feel honoured to have won the Sainsbury’s “You Can” Women of the Year Award. This is particularly special coming from so many inspiring women. It means a lot to me to have such support and encouragement along my journey, from women who I admire.”
Lulu said: “When I attended the Women of the Year Lunch last year I was so moved by the amazing women I met and the inspiring work they do in their communities, nationwide and indeed world wide. To be invited back again as a winner is beyond my wildest expectations and I am both humbled and thrilled. What I have learned is that when women roll up their sleeves, there is no end to what we can achieve.”
Dr Nawal El Saadawi added: “I am very happy to win this Women of the Year Award. It means that my creative work gains more and more recognition from my peers and others and it will help other groups in other countries to recognise my work, too. Winning this award encourages me to continue my creative dissident writing and fighting.”
Sergeant (Sgt) Lauren Odell said: “Winning the Barclays Women of the Year award is a great honour and we are so touched to be recognised for the day-to-day job that we love. Our aim is to provide the best care possible for the military and civilian patients whom we treat, and to be nominated for this award means so much, as it was truly unexpected.”
The 2011 Women of the Year Awards were hosted by Sandi Toksvig and were presented by Deanna Oppenheimer, vice-chair of Barclays Retail and Business Banking, Lindsay Nicholson, Editorial Director of Good Housekeeping, Clare Blampied, Managing Director of Sacla’, Gwyn Burr, Customer Service and Colleague Director at Sainsbury’s, and Lorraine Kelly, presenter of ITV1’s Lorraine.
The winners were introduced by Captain Martin Hewitt and Private Jaco Van Gass, of the Parachute Regiment and members of the North Pole Walking with the Wounded team; Bianca Jagger, human rights advocate; Anne Aslett, Executive Director of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Pam Warren, survivor of the 1999 Paddington Rail Crash and Lorraine Kelly, presenter of ITV’1 Lorraine.
Other guests at the Lunch included Camila Batmanghelidjh, Shami Chakrabarti CBE, Ruby Wax, the author Joanna Trollope and Home Secretary Theresa May MP.
NEWS: Marie Colvin >
By Women of the Year
NEWS: Kate Sherman >By Women of the Year
2011 lunch >By Women of the Year
Letter from the President >By Women of the Year
NEWS: 2011 Awards >By Women of the Year
Inspirational Award >By Women of the Year
NEWS: Gill runs for WOY >By Women of the Year
Connect with...
