Nominations for this year’s Women’s Empowerment Month Awards are set to close at the end of January – so hurry up and help shine a spotlight on an unsung hero.

The celebrations, now in their eighth year, mark the diverse achievements of women who live or work in Barking and Dagenham across nine categories, seven of which are open to public nominations.

The awards include businesswoman of the year, female parent or carer of the year, female volunteer of the year, leadership award, women’s community group of the year, young woman of the year, outstanding woman of the year, and the lifetime achievement award.

A new award category – educator of the year – has been added this year to recognise the work of women who go above and beyond in educating our community, either in a formal setting such as schools and nurseries or informally through tutoring or mentoring.

The Women’s Empowerment Month Awards form part of a month-long celebration that take place in the borough each year.

Councillor Sade Bright, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills & Aspiration, said: “We know our borough is jam-packed with inspirational, hard-working people who have helped – and continue to help – make our borough what it is today.

“These awards are about celebrating the contribution of the amazing women in Barking and Dagenham and shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes who we are fortunate to have living and working here. Whether you work in a school, are a parent or are part of a community or faith group – you must know an outstanding woman who deserves a thank you, so please help us say thank you to them.”

Nominations for Women’s Empowerment Month close Tuesday 31 January 2023.

Cllr Bright added: “This is the last chance to nominate someone before it’s too late. It only takes five minutes and can help give recognition to the women of our borough.”

To nominate and for more information visit https://oneboroughvoice.lbbd.gov.uk/womens-empowerment-awards-2023.