AN evening of celebration to recognise the inspirational work of women in Bolton is being held tomorrow.
The Inspirational Women Awards will take place at UTC Bolton, where Gordon Burns, journalist and TV Presenter will be the Master of Ceremonies.
The event is organised by Women in Neighbourhoods (WiN) and Bolton Interfaith Council.
WiN is a not-for-profit group dedicated to the women of Bolton helping in the most deprived neighbourhoods throughout the borough.
WiN aims for women empowerment and gender equality and focuses on the lack of women leaders, helping to tackle it through Inspirational Women of Bolton Book, which will also be launched on the night.
Gulnaz Brennan, WiN Founder, said: "The Inspirational Women awards are an attempt to celebrate the unsung heroes, their selfless work and positive women role-models in our community.
"This is the second year of awards and we are very pleased with the massive support by local businesses, organisations and people.”
This year's event will celebrate the efforts of 16 women, all of them described as "community champions" and each of them nominated by others who believe they should be recognised for their work in a variety of fields and endeavours.
They will be presented with their award by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Carole Swarbrick.
The Bishop of Bolton the Rt Rev Chris Edmondson will also be attending.
Award categories include community integration, community leadership, protection of women and girls rights, pursuit of education and young peoples support.
Chan Parmar, from the Bolton interfaith council said: "I was delighted when we were asked to support this excellent event, which has many benefits to local community and further afield.
"Women are true pillars of our communities and it is certainly a very worthy event to acknowledge their immense contributions for the wellbeing of our communities."
The ceremony is being sponsored by Bolton at Home and Bolton Council.
The book is part funded by Bolton CVS.
For more information and for tickets visit http://winbolton.co.uk/index.php/2016/02/27/the-win-bolton-inspirational-women-awards-2016/
Those who will be recognised will be:
Anna Kinley, who works with the Bolton Interfaith Council and Smile of Hope and teaches dance. (below)
Laura Collins, Miss Bolton and Bury 2015 and a Miss England finalist, whose voluntary charitable work has included helping to build an orphanage in Tanzania.
Maura Jackson, director of Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme.
Gemma Aitchison (below), founder of Yes Matters, a group which campaigns on the issues of consent and objectification of women.
Dani Gaines (below), an artist, who uses her creativity to work with community groups and help inspire and instil confidence in others.
Patricia Holmes, chair of BRASS —Befriending Refugees and Asylum Seekers.
Susan Smart (below), who has been working with Brownies and Girl Guides for 17 years and is passionate about nurturing and developing girls and young women.
Amal Elsheihkh (below), a law graduate who works voluntarily to help women in the town’s Sudanese community in all aspects of integration into life in the UK.
Zaheda Bhaloda (below), survivor of domestic abuse and now a fights against it, founded the group JAWS —Justice for Abused Women.
Vera Bragg, founder of residents association, Harper Green.
Karen Openshaw, a trained counsellor who has created a mission church and wants to make a difference to the lives of young women.
Emma Gregson (below), founder of Horwich Hub, tackling issues and providing solutions to neighbourhoods in Bolton.
Linda Charnock, a leading figure in the group Bolton Against the Bedroom Tax, who seeks to help and advise those affected.
Gemma Louise (below), has cerebral palsy and whose voluntary work includes working with the Octagon Theatre, helping young children to become involved in acting.
Sajida Hussain (below), originally from Pakistan, whose voluntary work includes holding maths and English classes for girls in Bolton mosques.
Katy Kellet (below), described as mother of all refugees going above and beyond for everyone.
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