The Woman of Influence Awards is back and taking place Sunday 17th March 2024
Join us on Sunday 17th March 2024 at the Hilton Glasgow to celebrate women's success and raise vital funds for Action for Children.
On Sunday 12th March 2023, the WOI board and Action for Children gathered to celebrate the many incredible women across Scotland, hosted by Susie Cormack Bruce & Alex Fleming, whilst raising vital funds for Action for Children. We are delighted to announce that we raised an incredible £110,715.00 for vulnerable children and young people.
For sponsorship oppertunities or to enquire about a table, please contact [email protected]
Woman of Influence 2023
This year’s Woman of Influence was Scottish Commonwealth Champion and three-time Olympian, Eilish McColgan. McColgan won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games for the 10,000 metres, silver for the 5,000 metres, and recently set a new British record for the 10,000 metres.
Whilst she was unable to attend the event due to her London Marathon training camp, McColgan reacted to the news of her win, saying: “It's a real honour to be given this award. 2022 will be a tough year for me to beat, but starting off the 2023 year with a new British Record and now this WOI award - it really feels like the start of something special. Thank you for the incredible honour. I hope to continue to make Scotland proud and inspire the next generation of youngsters to follow their goals!”
The 32-year-old athlete was shortlisted as a finalist for the award alongside BBC political journalist, Laura Kuenssberg; Quantum Innovation Sector Lead, Dr Sonali Mohapatra; and BBC News North America Editor, Sarah Smith.
Action for Children Scotland Woman to Watch Award
The key part of the event is the ‘Woman to Watch Award’ which was first introduced in 2018. It recognises women at the onset of their careers who have already had a tremendous impact in their field and are on the path to achieving great things.
This year’s winner of the award was Zara Mohammed. Zara is the first female, youngest, and first Scottish Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain.
Reacting to the news of her award, Zara said: “ I am deeply honoured to receive such an acknowledgement and Special 'Women to Watch 2023' Award. Being a young leader and the first woman to take on my role, I do hope my efforts will inspire other young people to feel confident that they too can do whatever they put their minds to. I would like to thank everyone at Action for Children for this very special recognition.”
WOI Winner Eilish McColgan & Woman to Watch Zara Mohammed
Inspirational Young Woman Award
The 2023 Inspirational Young Woman Award went to Kiera from Action for Children’s Stoneside Family Support Service. Keira has been supported by Action for Children, Stoneside Family Support since she was eight years old and has captured the hearts of all the staff members and young people there. She has a diagnosis of ADHD, brain damage, nystagmus, and epilepsy however this has not held her back in life. Her positive outlook on life is an inspiration to everyone who meets her. Kiera comes to Stoneside for two nights every fortnight and enjoys supporting other young people to settle into the service and address any anxieties they may have.
2023 Inspirational Young Woman Award Winner Keira with Action for Children's CEO Paul Carberry and WOI Chair Pauline Mitchell
For more information on the Woman of Influence Awards and how you can support, contact Nicole Tweeddale: [email protected]
