Celebrating extraordinary women since 1955

 

 

 

We celebrate, connect & empower inspiring women in our communities, locally and globally – the unsung and the recognised heroes making a difference. They are all Women of the Year.

Explore the 2025 Winners

For 70 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 our podcast.

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 our podcast.

Lean in to our community by listening to our ‘Women of the Year’ Podcast!

Our podcast shines a light on incredible achievements by women whose passion, dedication, and fierce determination has changed society, their communities and the world, in ways that will inspire and uplift you.

Subscribe today to hear unmissable stories

Childhood loneliness was lifted by daydreaming about leading a campaign against injustice.

Tony Lothian

Founded by Lady Antonella Lothian OBE, better known as simply Tony Lothian, the Lunch & Awards were 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 70 years later the lunch remains unique in continuing to honour and celebrate these women.

Read more about our history

Women of the Year 2018
Women of the Year 2018
Professor Shirley Thompson, Sharon Watson, Dr Rachel Holmes and Shami Chakrabarti  at The Women of the Year Awards and Luncheon at The Royal Lancaster Hotel, London on 13 October, 2019

Our Award Ceremony

The Women of the Year Awards offers a unique opportunity to honour outstanding women, both locally and globally, to recognise and celebrate their achievements.

Explore past awards

A Force For Good

The Women of the Year organisation empowers and enables women worldwide, of all ages, by sharing the knowledge and experience of our network.

Find out more

Alumnae Club

All attendees of Women of the Year are invited to join the Alumnae Club; a growing community of remarkable women and a vibrant programme of events throughout the year.

Find out more

Emma Gannon and Chidera Eggerue at The Women of the Year Awards at The Royal Lancaster Hotel, London on 13 October, 2019

Emma Gannon and Chidera Eggerue at The Women of the Year Awards 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 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 at The Royal Lancaster Hotel, London on 13 October, 2019

Recent news

Dame Arlene Phillips DBE in conversation with Diane Kenwood

Dame Arlene Phillips DBE in conversation with Diane Kenwood

...

Read full article
Reflections from our President on the 2025 Awards

Reflections from our President on the 2025 Awards

As all those in attendance will have discovered, it’s impossible to come away from the Women of the Year Lunch without feeling that women can change the world. That together we have the strength, re...

Read full article
Women of the Year meets… Ronni Ancona & Kathy Lette

Women of the Year meets… Ronni Ancona & Kathy Lette

🎤 SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT: WOMEN & COMEDY Laughter, sass and seriously sharp women! In September, we turned up the volume - and the laughter -...

Read full article

Our sponsors