With more than 200 finalists, supporters and young people in attendance, The Baton Awards were announced in The Terrace Pavilion last week. Overlooking the Thames river after being formally introduced by event sponsor and supporter Lord Hastings of Scarisbrick CBE who opened the floor for Dawn Butler MP to deliver a breath-taking speech about the importance of celebrating BAME women.
Many of the finalists were young women, 4Front CEO and founder Temi Mwale, Marin Adejokun, Charlotte Crowl, Malala Yousefzai to name a few. The next generation were a focal point of the event, with The Baton Awards giving complimentary tickets to young people to be inspired. The event raised more than £1800 for children’s Domestic Abuse charity strength with in me foundation (S.W.I.M) 1165152; a non-profit organization, providing comprehensive intervention in response to the prevalence of Domestic Abuse among young girls and women. The event took place during the 16 days of action campaign, designed to fall specifically on November 29th which is International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, which focuses on the work of women who defend the human rights of women and girls.
‘We are thrilled that The Baton Awards 2018 chose us as a charity. The ethos of The Baton Awards is everything that S.W.I.M stands for, the example they have set in ‘passing the baton along’ between BAME women, many of them of whom were domestic abuse survivors and activists, is even more humbling for us. This generous donation will go a long way in helping us to empower and educate young girls about healthy and toxic relationships.’ Warren Powell, Trustee Strength With In Me Foundation
After hundreds of nominations from all over the world were submitted to the awards this year for consideration in categories including Entrepreneur of the Year, Third Sector of the Year, Thought Leader of the Year, STEM trailblazer of the Year among others. Winners were chosen by more than 30 pioneering judges specialized judging committees to determine the winning Award placements.
The Baton Award winners reflect a diverse group of BAME women from around the globe. The Baton Awards have been hailed as ‘more than just glitz’ with winners receiving ongoing mentoring from their BAME industry pioneer.
For a complete list of Baton Award winners and more information, visit www.thebatonawards.com
