The 6th Women 4 Africa awards ceremony was ushered in an aura of fevered anticipation as attendees, nominees and winners attended what was to be the best ceremony yet in celebration of trailbazing women of African and non-African descent breaking down barriers in industries, sectors, charitable and humanitarian endeavours in and out of the African continent. Held at the prestigious Kensington Town Hall in London on Saturday 20th of May 2017, it was attended by royal dignitaries, business entrepreneurs, intraprenuers and community leaders as well as visitors from around the world.
The positive and inspiring experience on the day was glowingly reflected on by many. Funke Abimbola, UK Senior Lawyer and Diversity Leader remarked that ‘the evening was an uplifting celebration of extraordinary women of African descent who have done incredible things. I came away inspired and encouraged.’ Her Royal Highness Princess Moradeun Adedoyin-Solarin praised the event as ‘the high profile annual platform where outstandingly brilliant game changers and exceptionally creative women of Pan-African origins, from across the world, gather each year to celebrate.’ Winner of the 2017 Role Model of the Year, Phinnah Chichi Ikeji, shared her experience ‘I was inspired and encouraged by some of the stories shared on the night and took home some invaluable lessons’. Executive Director UK of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Kathi Scott, described the event as ‘fast becoming one of the go-to-events of the year, demonstrating how African women are strong agents of change within their communities. You can’t help but be inspired and energised by the passion, dedication, warmth and love at the ceremony’.
Founders Sam and Tola Onigbanjo have successfully created a platform to celebrate, inspire and promote African female talent, creativity and businesses. The essence of the awards ceremony is described by Co-founder Sam Onigbanjo as ‘a true African owned and led awards ceremony designed to platform and profile Africa’s great Sheroes to the World’. Co-founder Tola Onigbano is of the firm view that ‘if no one gives you a platform, create one’. She further shares the motivation behind the creation of the ceremony, ‘there are so many women doing amazing things and whose stories need to be heard, that is the reason this platform was created’.
2017 Category Winners:
Business Woman of the Year - Ann Wilson-South Africa
Career Woman of the Year – Morenike Ajayi - Nigeria
Outstanding Mother of the Year – Esther Owuta Onolememen -Nigeria
Woman in Technology of the Year -Rashada Harry - Guyana
Fashion Designer of the Year: Joint winners Anita Quansah, Ghana & Tapiwa Dingwiza– Zimbabwe
Events Organiser- of the Year Jessica Laditan– Nigeria
Author of the Year -Placida Acheru -Nigeria
UK Humanitarian of the Year - Neneh Umusu -Nigeria
Inspirational Woman of the Year -Zina Arinze-Nigeria
Role Model of the Year -Phinnah Ikeji - Nigeria
Young Achiever of the Year - Gertrude Asumadu - Ghana
Young Leader of the Year –Elizabeth Adeniran-Nigeria
Go-Getter of the Year - Amara Kanu - Nigeria
International Business of the Year - Zodwa Mkandla - Zimbabwe
International Humanitarian of the Year -Abigail Simon-Hart – Nigeria
International African Woman of the Year - Yabome G Jackson –Sierra Leone
Hairdresser of the Year - Anaya Kamara - Sierra Leone
2017 Recognition Winners:
Lifetime Achievement- Muzvare Betty Makoni– Zimbabwe
Recognition- Mrs Nolwandle N Mboweni– South Africa
Recognition-Chief Mrs Rachel Umahi-Nigeria
Recognition-Heather Melville-Jamaica
Recognition-Debbie Ariyo OBE-Nigeria
Recognition-Elsie Owusu OBE-Ghana
Recognition-Ruth Oshikanlu-Nigeria
Recognition-Mrs Rashida Bello-Nigeria
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