African Women’s Achievements Awards

The contribution of African women to society is significant, but often goes unnoticed. Political heavyweights include Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia’s first female president and Kenya’s environmental activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner the late Dr Wangari Maathai.

These women have impacted society at a national and global level and have inspired many other women to emulate their success, such as Wolverhampton based Karyne Tazi who founded the African Women of Substance charity.

Established in 2006, the vision of African Women of Substance (AWS) is to actively empower, encourage and celebrate woman and girls of the African Diaspora and their communities. The charity provides a number of free services such as social, cultural and recreational activities to overcome social isolation. They also provide informal support so that women can reach their goals and dreams whilst contributing to their communities.

The success of the organisation has led to the development of the African Women Achiever's Awards which gives African women in the UK the opportunity to be recognised and rewarded for their achievements. The awards are presented to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of African women who have overcome great cultural and social barriers to become exemplary role models within their communities. The African Women Achievement Awards applauds and celebrates professional and personal achievements of not only women who have succeeded in their communities,  but also women who are taking positive steps like Career Woman of the Year, Company of the Year, Community Champion of the Year, Best New Business and many more.

Previous winners include Deborah Jandles, who nominated her whole community and volunteers including herself for the work that Twananyasha Widows and Orphans Christian Organisation do. The meaning of the name Tawananyasha in the Shona language of Zimbabwe means we have obtained mercy, or we’ve been given grace and it was through Deborah’s selflessness and determination that birthed this amazing scheme. Other winners include Dr. Montio Morgan who trained as a doctor in Cameroon and then came to the UK and now has a general ENT practice and also runs two out-patient clinics.

Women such as Deborah and Montio are in many ways the unsung heroes of our communities - they have defied the odds, pushed through with much persistence and determination to see their dreams and ideals materialise into reality. 

This year’s award nominations are now open.  AWS are seeking nominations for women who have excelled in their fields and have inspired and acted as positive role models to others. Individuals can be nominated either by their company, an organisation or you can be be nominated by an individual.

For information on how to nominate someone for the African Women of Acheivement Awards click Nominate.

Nadine Alexander and Francine Fernandes