Celebrating extraordinary women since 1955
Each year our annual lunch and awards celebrates the achievements of four hundred and fifty specially chosen women from across the UK and around the world who are doing remarkable work and making a difference to others. From shifting and serving society, to saving lives, breaking glass ceilings and building communities, Women of the Year recognises women whose exceptional efforts today are paving the way for the women of tomorrow.
For over 60 years, Women of the Year has proudly recognised and celebrated the achievements of some of the world's most incredible and bravest women.
Julie Etchingham
Efe Ezekiel, Diane Kenwood, June Angelides MBE, Leonie Mellinger, Sonya Iovieno, Folake Shasanya, and Jo Baring all gather on the red carpet at the 2021 Women of the Year Awards to celebrate the launch of the Extraordinary Ordinary podcast, sponsored by SVB.
Women of the Year are proud to launch the ‘Extraordinary Ordinary’ podcast
The Extraordinary Ordinary shines a light on incredible achievements by women who you’ve probably never heard of (until now), but whose passion, dedication, and fierce determination has changed society, their communities and the world, in ways that will inspire and uplift you.
Childhood loneliness was lifted by daydreaming, nearly aways about my leading a campaign against injustice.
Tony Lothian
Founded by Lady Antonella Lothian OBE, better known as simply Tony Lothian, the lunch and awards were created and launched in 1955 against a backdrop of a radically changing period in British history. The event was the first of its kind – an opportunity to recognise the women whose work all over the world upholds communities now, and builds and sustains them for the future. Over 60 years later the lunch remains unique in continuing to honour and celebrate these women.
The Lunch and Awards
The Women of the Year Lunch offers a unique opportunity to honour outstanding women from all over the UK and around the world, and to recognise and celebrate their achievements.
The Foundation
The Women of the Year Foundation supports women worldwide helping them into the workforce or supporting new business ventures through access to grants, mentorship and training.
Alumnae Club
All attendees of Women of the Year are invited to join the Alumnae Club; a growing community of remarkable women and programme of talks.
Emma Gannon and Chidera Eggerue at The Women of the Year Awards and Luncheon at The Royal Lancaster Hotel, London on 13 October, 2019
Natasha Benjamin, Lorraine's Inspirational Woman of the Year Winner with Lorraine Kelly at The Women of the Year Awards and Luncheon at The Royal Lancaster Hotel, London on 13 October, 2019
Recent news
Nominate your Woman of the Year with Lorraine!
Nominations are now open! If you know someone who you think deserves the Woman of the Year Kindness Award, send us your nomination now. Nominations close at midday on Monday 20 September 2021.
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15 Years of generosity: Women of the Year and Barclays
For fifteen years, Women of the Year has been supported by Barclays. Attracted by the idea of celebrating the achievements of women across all walks of life, our relationship with the organisation was forged by Joan Armatrading during her term as President. Possibly helped by the fact that the then Chief Executive of Barclays Retail, Deanna Oppenheimer, was a lifelong fan of Joan's!
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Announcing our new ‘Extraordinary Ordinary’ Podcast
We are delighted to announce the The ‘Extraordinary Ordinary’ Women of the Year Podcast: an inspiring celebration of ordinary women doing extraordinary things. Building on our history of recognising, celebrating and inspiring women of all backgrounds since 1955, each episode will see women from all walks of life share their incredible stories in candid interviews. We will be honouring those who quietly make a huge difference to our world.
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