Celebrating Asian women in Wales

Contribution of Asian women in Wales to be recognised in awards ceremony

The achievements of Asian women in Wales will be celebrated at an awards ceremony on 25 April, backed by Cardiff University.

The ceremony will be held at Cardiff's City Hall where guests will be served Asian cuisine prepared by Stephen Gomes, the award-winning chef of the Moksh restaurant; entertainment will include a performance by Bollywood dancers.

The awards are the inspiration of Cardiff University Professor Meena Upadhyaya, who decided a few years ago that something needed to be done to celebrate the often un-sung achievements of Asian women in Wales. The evening is also designed to identify female role models for the Asian community.  

Professor Upadhyaya from Cardiff University School of Medicine said: "The Welsh Asian Women Achievement Awards will recognise the contribution of Asian women in all walks of Welsh life and nominations were invited for women from across Asia who have lived in Wales for two years or more. Once again, the standard of entry has been extremely impressive and we are delighted to have the on-going support of Cardiff University."

The chief guest for the ceremony is Dame Rosemary Butler AM, the Presiding Officer of the Welsh Assembly. She will be joined by a range of politicians and celebrities.

Dame Rosemary said: "I am delighted to attend this event and celebrate the achievements of Asian women in Wales.

"It is important that we have strong female role models in all communities, and across all walks of life, because women are unrepresented in the decision-making process in Wales, whether it be in politics or in the boardroom.

"I hope young women, not only Asian women, but those from communities across Wales, sit up and take notice of their achievements and realise that they too can break down the barriers and succeed in what is still a male-dominated world."

Cardiff University supports the awards with judges including Professor Julian Sampson, Head of the Institute of Cancer and Medical Genetics. Professor Sampson said:

"Many truly exceptional women have been nominated in this third round of the Welsh Asian Women Achievement Awards, maintaining the very high standards set in previous years. It has been a privilege to meet some of the nominees and to hear first-hand their inspiring stories. I am looking forward tremendously to the awards event and to celebrating the huge contributions all the nominees have made to Wales."

The inspiring journeys of 18 exceptional WAWAA winners from the last two ceremonies who have ventured successfully into challenging and unchartered territories have been profiled in a book entitled "HER" which will be launched on 25 April at the ceremony.

The book, partly funded by the Cardiff University, manifests a compendium of female role models of varying age groups, who have struggled and strived to achieve their aspirations. This document will serve as an outstanding and lasting landmark not only for Asian women but for all women.