Search begins for female icons of Asian Britain

THE search to find the most inspiring women in the United Kingdom has begun with the launch of the 10th Asian Women of Achievement Awards.

Founded and chaired by Indian born author and entrepreneur Pinky Lilani OBE – and held in association with Lloyds TSB – the awards celebrate the contribution that Asian women make to UK’s business, public, cultural, and political sectors.

An important event on the Asian community’s calendar, the initiative has come to symbolise multi-cultural Britain.  

Previous accolades have been awarded to actresses Shaheen Khan and Nina Wadia, BBC newsreader Mishal Husain and world-leading academic Professor Xiangqian Jang.

Judges include human rights campaigner Shami Chakrabarti CBE, also an award recipient, Dragons Den star James Caan, actress Meera Syal and Sir Nicholas Young, chief executive of the British Red Cross.

Founder Pinky Lilani said: “We founded these awards in 1999 to recognise the contribution that Asian women were making to British life – a celebration of the cultural and social enrichment they provide. Over the last 10 years, they’ve become both a barometer of social change and an important platform for Asian women.

“This year, we’re casting the net far and wide to identify those women who – through their passion and commitment – symbolise today’s diverse society.”  

The closing date for entries is Friday March 6, 2009, with the awards ceremony taking place at the London Hilton on Wednesday May 20, 2009.