An awards ceremony was held last night in recognition of women in the South West who make a difference in their communities. The event, previously named “Women of the Year Awards”, was re-launched this year to celebrate both 100 years of women’s suffrage and International Women’s Day, titled ‘West Women of the Year‘.
International Women’s Day on 8th March saw Bristol Live announce 100 influential women in the region, as nominated by the public;
“These women come from all walks of life, with an array of different skills and interests. They are the community leaders, entrepreneurs, charity spokespeople, creatives, inventors and celebrities of the South West and we hope this list will provide a platform so we can shout about their achievements.”
West Women Of The Year 2018 is here!!! Welcome to our Top 100 Women celebration #westwomenpic.twitter.com/ChbmSsn3qd
— West Women of the Year Awards (@WestWomen2018) April 12, 2018
The females all received an invitation to last night’s party, held at the iconic Passenger Shed in Bristol and sponsored by the Bank of Ireland. It was hosted as a partnership between the Bristol Post, The Western Daily Press, The Bath Chronicle and the Gloucestershire Citizen and Echo newspapers.
The glamorous event was a night filled with dancing, refreshments and a speech from an influential guest speaker. Journalist, author and founder of Green and Black’s Josephine Fairley took to the stage to inspire the nominees.
AMAZING setting for #WestWomen2018 Awards tonight – can’t wait to hear their stories and inspire the incredible women in the room #passengershed #bristol pic.twitter.com/sVqcIkH66M
— Josephine Fairley (@jojosams) April 12, 2018
The award categories were as follows:
- Most Oustanding Woman in Business in the West
- Most Oustanding Woman in the Charitable Sector in the West
- Most Innovative Woman in the West
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Overall Winner
- Most Outstanding BAME Woman in the West
- Most Influential Woman in the West: People’s Choice
The award winners are yet to be released – check back later to see which West Women brought home a win!
