Women's Empowerment Awards 2021

Consultation has concluded


Women's Empowerment Month takes place in March and honours the amazing women of Barking and Dagenham, ending with the annual Women's Empowerment Awards.


These public awards mark the diverse achievements of women who live and work in Barking and Dagenham across eight different categories, six of which are open to public nominations.


Nominations now open!! The deadline for making a nomination has now been extended until Monday 1st March 2021.


Businesswoman of the Year Award

Whether they are a business start-up or a well-established enterprise, this award recognises the achievements that a businesswomen has made, whose drive and determination is an inspiration to all.


Female Parent or Carer of the Year Award

This award is in recognition of the mum or parent/carer who is Superwoman!


Female Volunteer of the Year Award

Volunteer of the year recognises the dedication and generosity of our female volunteers in supporting others. We are looking for nominations where volunteers have devoted a significant amount of their own time to helping borough residents. For example, a charity or voluntary organisation, either by fundraising, providing services or assisting with practical tasks.


Leadership Award

This award recognises nominees who have demonstrated leadership abilities and skills. It is not confined to any particular subject area, so whether your nominee has leadership qualities in women's rights, the arts, sport, education, I.T. or more, we want to hear from you!


Women's Community Group of the Year Award

Our borough has a number of women's groups that do amazing work. Which one do you think deserves to be celebrated?


Jodie Chesney Young Woman of the Year Award

This award has been renamed in memory of Jodie Chesney, who was tragically murdered in 2019. Jodie achieved the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver awards and was just a few weeks away from completing her Gold. Jodie volunteered on many projects, including the Cub and Scout section of the 4th Barking and Dagenham Scouts where she touched the lives of many other young people. This award recognises the achievements of the borough's young people, particularly those young women who are exceptional in their field of interest, as well as unsung heroes who have positively impacted the lives of others, or who have overcome significant challenges to be the success they are today.


Outstanding Woman of the Year Award

This award will be presented to one of the previous category winners by the judging panel. No nominations required.


Anne Estlea Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime achievement award is in memory of Anne Estlea, who dedicated her life to serving our community and sadly passed away in 2016. Anne received a borough recognition award to reward her 28 years of service at King George Hospital. She was truly inspirational and volunteered on many local projects, including being an Olympic Volunteer Co-ordinator for the 2012 Games. Anne was instrumental in campaigning to keep Chadwell Heath Community Centre open and became the Chairwoman in 2014. This special award will be announced at the awards ceremony. No nominations required.


Nomination Guidance

1. Nominations should only be made relating to achievements over the last 12 months.

2. You can nominate a woman for more than one category but you must use separate nomination forms.

3. Please make sure that the person you wish to nominate agrees to being nominated.

4. You may be asked to support or verify the evidence you supply as part of the nominations you make.

5. Three nominees will be shortlisted for each category and invited to the awards.

6. All shortlisted nominees will be invited to meet the judging panel ahead of the awards.


Women's Empowerment Month takes place in March and honours the amazing women of Barking and Dagenham, ending with the annual Women's Empowerment Awards.


These public awards mark the diverse achievements of women who live and work in Barking and Dagenham across eight different categories, six of which are open to public nominations.


Nominations now open!! The deadline for making a nomination has now been extended until Monday 1st March 2021.


Businesswoman of the Year Award

Whether they are a business start-up or a well-established enterprise, this award recognises the achievements that a businesswomen has made, whose drive and determination is an inspiration to all.


Female Parent or Carer of the Year Award

This award is in recognition of the mum or parent/carer who is Superwoman!


Female Volunteer of the Year Award

Volunteer of the year recognises the dedication and generosity of our female volunteers in supporting others. We are looking for nominations where volunteers have devoted a significant amount of their own time to helping borough residents. For example, a charity or voluntary organisation, either by fundraising, providing services or assisting with practical tasks.


Leadership Award

This award recognises nominees who have demonstrated leadership abilities and skills. It is not confined to any particular subject area, so whether your nominee has leadership qualities in women's rights, the arts, sport, education, I.T. or more, we want to hear from you!


Women's Community Group of the Year Award

Our borough has a number of women's groups that do amazing work. Which one do you think deserves to be celebrated?


Jodie Chesney Young Woman of the Year Award

This award has been renamed in memory of Jodie Chesney, who was tragically murdered in 2019. Jodie achieved the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver awards and was just a few weeks away from completing her Gold. Jodie volunteered on many projects, including the Cub and Scout section of the 4th Barking and Dagenham Scouts where she touched the lives of many other young people. This award recognises the achievements of the borough's young people, particularly those young women who are exceptional in their field of interest, as well as unsung heroes who have positively impacted the lives of others, or who have overcome significant challenges to be the success they are today.


Outstanding Woman of the Year Award

This award will be presented to one of the previous category winners by the judging panel. No nominations required.


Anne Estlea Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime achievement award is in memory of Anne Estlea, who dedicated her life to serving our community and sadly passed away in 2016. Anne received a borough recognition award to reward her 28 years of service at King George Hospital. She was truly inspirational and volunteered on many local projects, including being an Olympic Volunteer Co-ordinator for the 2012 Games. Anne was instrumental in campaigning to keep Chadwell Heath Community Centre open and became the Chairwoman in 2014. This special award will be announced at the awards ceremony. No nominations required.


Nomination Guidance

1. Nominations should only be made relating to achievements over the last 12 months.

2. You can nominate a woman for more than one category but you must use separate nomination forms.

3. Please make sure that the person you wish to nominate agrees to being nominated.

4. You may be asked to support or verify the evidence you supply as part of the nominations you make.

5. Three nominees will be shortlisted for each category and invited to the awards.

6. All shortlisted nominees will be invited to meet the judging panel ahead of the awards.