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Bradford’s unsung female heroes were once again honored for their contributions and achievements across public and home life at the fourth, annual Bradford Inspirational Women Awards (BIWA), which took place on Saturday 28 March at Life Centre. The Inspirational Women Foundation hosts the Bradford Inspirational Women Awards each year, with a view to inspire and aspire future generations. This year’s award ceremony was once again presented by broadcasters, Sunny and Shay Grewal. Chief Guests included athlete and Paralympic head coach Paula Dunn; Shadow Equalities Minister in the House of Lords, Baroness Glenys Thornton; former leader and former vice chair of the Respect party, Salma Yaqoob; and Respect Party MP for Bradford West, George Galloway among other high profile attendees.
All funds raised from the night via ticket sales will be used to support female causes such as court fees for women who have been subjected to sexual harassment in the work place; supporting victims of domestic violence, women struggling to find work, women in business and other worthy causes.
The award ceremony, which highlights the stories of the district’s inspirational women, continues to go from strength to strength with a new category added each year. This year’s new category was Inspirational Woman Teacher. In addition, two Special Awards for Woman of the Year and Mum of the Year (selected by public vote) were presented on the night by the founders of the Inspirational Woman Foundation – a not for profit organization established to work with and to support women at home, in the workplace, in the community or in business, of which the Inspirational Women Awards are now a part. The event was supported by British Airways, who donated a return flight to New York for the Woman of the Year award recipient.
Winners of the Bradford Inspirational Women Awards 2015:
Employee
Lynne Cunningham – YMCA
Public/Voluntary Sector
Yasmin Khan – Staying Put
Sports
Saima Hussain – Rugby player for Yorkshire and England Rugby team
Community Star and Woman of the Year
Beverley Barton
Business Woman
Liva Alberta – Concierge Estates
Teacher
Sally Layas – Holy Family Catholic School
Mum of the Year (selected by public vote)
Teresa Maria Gornall
Youth Award
Due to the hospitalization of finalist, Ashleigh Mae Bowers, the panel deemed the category difficult to judge without her profile inclusion. As a result, all three finalists were winners: Ashleigh Mae Bowers, Amy Barker, Melissa Steele.
Congrats to all the lovely winners! We wish them the best of luck for the future!
