Inspirational women from Barking and Dagenham celebrated in awards ceremony

Elivire Mavusi Matu won the Young Woman of the Year award (credit: Barking and Dagenham Council)

The most inspirational women from Barking and Dagenham were recognised last night in an awards ceremony.

The fifth annual Women’s Empowerment Awards took place online and named eight winners.

Lindsay Rust won volunteer of the year, Joyce Bowness scooped the prize for top parent and tutoring group The Hive were awarded best community group. 

A virtual ceremony was held this year due to the coronavirus outbreak (credit: Barking and Dagenham Council) 

Joelle Mae David, who owns a film-making studio in Barking, won both businesswoman and overall woman of the year while Avril McIntyre was recognised for leadership, arts and culture.

The lifetime achievement Ann Eastlea Award went to Princess and the Pea director Liza Valance. 

The young woman of the year award, won by 21-year-old dancer Elivire Matu, will be renamed as a tribute to Jodie Chesney from next year.

“Jodie volunteered on many projects, including the Cub and Scout section of the 4^th Barking and Dagenham Scouts where she touched the lives of many other young people,” said a statement on the organisation’s website. 

The young woman of the year award will be renamed to honour the murdered 17-year-old

Councillor Saima Ashraf said: “I am delighted that the pandemic did not stop us from honouring the amazing women of our borough. 

“It gives me great confidence that future generations will be able to flourish and prosper with great role models in the community.

“I am extremely proud of these awards and all of the nominees. I’m also glad to announce that nominations are now open for next year’s awards, so if you think someone deserves recognition please let us know.”

You have until Sunday, 31 January to enter a nominee for the 2021 awards on their website. 

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