The search has begun for Derry’s “Woman of the Year.”
Derry City Council is offering the opportunity to pay tribute to some of the remarkable work being carried out by the many local women who have made a difference to every level of local society throughout last year.
The Women of the Year Awards are held annually by the Women’s Development section and acknowledge the invaluable contribution made by women of all ages in the city who work in community, arts, business, and caring for others on a daily basis, sacrificing their own time for the benefit of others.
Anyone whose work has made a significant impact over the past 12 months can be nominated, and this year there are 14 different categories covering a range of fields, as well as an overall Woman of the Year award.
Women’s Officer with Derry City Council, Joanna Boyd said: “The awards aim to shine a light on the hard work of so many women in our city whose dedication often goes unrecognised.
“So much is being achieved by local women who contribute significantly to the local economy through business and enterprise, who work tirelessly to improve the areas where they live, and who give their time generously to enhancing the well being of others.”
She concluded: “Many of these women juggle jobs and families to achieve their goals and this is the perfect opportunity to recognise the difference they make to all our lives. I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to nominate someone they feel deserves a special acknowledgement, and let them know they are valued for their work.”
This year’s awards features the following categories:
:: Contribution to Women’s Community Development
:: Contribution to Community Relations
:: Contribution to Health
:: Contribution to Enterprise
:: Contribution to Community Safety
:: Contribution to Arts
:: Contribution to Formal/Informal Education
:: Contribution to the Older People
:: Contribution to Youth
:: Contribution to Childcare
:: Contribution to Caring
:: Contribution to the Trade Union Movement sponsored by UNISON
:: Young Women’s Award (must be aged 18 to 25 years old)
:: Women living with a Disability
An individual may only enter one category as regards to categories one to 14 inclusive but may also be involved in a nomination for overall winner.
Tickets for the event are priced at £15, which includes dinner and entertainment, and are available by contacting Joanna Boyd at Derry City Council, telephone 028 71365151.
Tickets will be allocated according to availability, with priority given to nominees and their guests.
The final deadline for nominations is 12 noon Friday 31 January and all applications should be submitted to Derry City Council’s Strand Road Offices 98 Strand Road, Derry, BT48 7NN.
No women may be nominated for an award without her prior knowledge and agreement.
Council employees and members of the executive committee are ineligible for nomination.
Last year’s overall “Woman of the Year” was Denise White, founder of charity ‘Something Special’ in 2007.
Denise, who was nominated by the Canning family in Creggan, also won the Contribution to Formal/Informal Education category.
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