INSPIRATIONAL women from across Notts will be rewarded as part of a new project.The 100 Women of Substance scheme aims to celebrate women who have been an inspiration to others and has been launched to marked the 100th International Women's Day.
The Nottingham Post, along with Nottingham Women's Centre, the Women's Voluntary Action Network and other organisations in the city, are backing the initiative. Joanne Glynn, the Post's managing director, will be on the judging panel. She said: "Quite simply, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate what has been achieved.
"The Nottingham Post wishes to recognise the brilliant achievements that women have brought to the city and county. The Post is delighted to be involved, as there are some great stories to tell." Councillor Penny Griggs, the Sheriff of Nottingham, is also a judge. She says the inspiration for 100 Women of Substance came from herself and High Sheriff of Notts Amanda Farr. She said: "It's the first time in 1,000 years that two women have held the positions. "We thought about it and realised it's been a good few years for women in the city – we've had the first woman chief executive, the first woman chief constable, the first woman who's a Member of Parliament for Nottingham. I think it's important that we recognise the contribution that women have made to the city, and, most importantly, encourage young women to come forward and take a role in civic and public life."
Nominations were open to anyone. "We're looking for somebody who's made a contribution and been inspirational to other women." said Mrs Griggs. "It could be somebody who's very active in their community and had a real impact on just one or two people, or somebody like the chief constable who's been an inspiration to many, many women. "We're looking for people of any age and any realm of life that you think should be acknowledged and celebrated. "I think women often stand back and let other people take the credit, so this is a time for unsung women to take the limelight."
Marie Ashby of the BBC's Inside Out and Politics Show, is also on the judging panel. She said: "I think women do many inspiring things and it's great to hear stories about women who have achieved amazing things in their lives." The final panellist is Faith Gakanje, director of the Nottingham African Women's Empowerment Forum, who said: "I'm looking for the women who have been contributing, volunteering and giving their time for free."
The 100th International Women's Day is on March 8, and a events will include a history walk organised by the Nottingham's Women History Group, a portraits exhibition at Nottingham Castle and a talk by feminist writer Nina Power at Nottingham Contemporary.
Anyone wishing to make a nomination has until 5.30pm on February 11 to submit 100 words describing why their choice should be recognised, along with a recent photograph and their contact details. Nominations should be sent to 100women@nottinghamwomenscentre.com or posted to Nottingham's Women's Centre, 30 Chaucer Street, Nottingham NG1 5LP.
I'm not sure if this is open to historical figures so I thought better safe than sorry and include it on the blog.
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