Again, for the 18th year, the Asian Women of Achievement Awards (AWAs) bestowed trophies upon 10 female ambassadors, each a role model in their respective professional sector.
Guests, resplendent in dazzling outfits, entered the Hilton Park Lane through its swivelling doors and headed up the red-carpeted stairs to the champagne reception, then to The Ballroom where the awards were presented. The event last Wednesday was compered by BBC London News presenter Riz Lateef and included a four-course meal.
Anoushe Husain, a civil servant, para-climber and cancer survivor, clinched the Sport Award. Born with one arm, she is a champion for all those suffering with self-limiting beliefs and society’s misconceptions. The Public Service Award went to Dr Harjinder Kaur, a social researcher specialising in child and women’s rights and gender equality.
This prestigious round-table event – hosted this year in association with Natwest - is the brainchild of Pinky Lilani CBE DL, a humble lady. Donning a glittering sari on the night, Pinky described the almost 60 finalists “dedicated and determined”. She added: “I feel so proud to stand with this group of inspiring women”.
VIP guests included Home Secretary Amber Rudd, Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott, Sir Nicholas Young, former CEO of the British Red Cross and Cherie Booth QC. This year the Chair of the judging panel, which comprised of 21 judges, 16 female, 5 male, was Chief Magistrate for England & Wales Lady Emma Arbuthnot.
Jaspreet Sangha, better known as ‘Behind the Netra’ for her poetry, won the Arts & Culture Award. A history teacher at St Marylebone School in London, Jaspreet’s work tackles issues related to gender discrimination, mental health stigma and decolonisation. The Business Award went to Raj Dohil, a business & HR graduate from London Metropolitan University. She is a role model at Enterprise Rent-a-Car, overseeing recruitment for close to 100 branches.
The Media Award was scooped by BBC TV and radio presenter Shay Grewal. She was the first high profile Asian to join BBC West Midlands on her afternoon show with husband Sunny and now presents 7 days a week. Vidhita Joshi and Vandita Pant were joint winners of the Professions Award. Vidhisha is one of the UK’s youngest law firm managing partners. Under her leadership her employer has increased turnover by £1mn in the last 3 years. Vandita is the most senior female Asian working in the world’s largest natural resources company. At 47, she has already had a stellar career with diverse executive roles in treasury and financial markets in India, Singapore, Japan and the UK.
Sadaf Farooqi, Professor of Metabolism & Medicine at the University of Cambridge, clinched the Science & Technology Award. She is also a Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow. The Social & Humanitarian Award went to Sofia Buncy, Prisoner Rehabilitation & Community Development Coordinator at Muslim Hands UK. Her career has centred on social justice and gender equality in disadvantaged communities.
Anoushka Babbar was crowned Young Achiever. Anoushka is Head of Regulatory Policy and Government Relations at the London Stock Exchange Group. Sunaina Sinha was name Entrepreneur. She was among 6 finalists. She is the only female founder and managing partner of a private equity advisory business in Europe and is one of less than 7% of women in private equity who holds a senior position.
The Chairman’s Award was presented to Fatima Zaman, CVE Advocate, The Kofi Annan Foundation. The Global Empowerment Award went to British Prime Minister the Rt Hon Theresa May who had sent her apologies. This award “recognises the work of a remarkable individual who exemplifies outstanding leadership, responsibility and courage and has inspired others to champion progress and success.”
