The Asian Women of Achievement Awards, founded by Pinky Lilani CBE DL in 1999, celebrate multicultural Britain and the contribution of diverse cultures and talents to UK society. We put phenomenal Asian women across the UK on a platform, and celebrate the valuable impact they make to British life. The awards play a key role in redefining the contribution of Asian women; and informing a new, positive, pro-diversity debate.

We announced the winners of the 2017 awards at a star-studded event at the London Hilton on Park Lane, in the presence of Princess Badiya bint El Hassan of Jordan; The Rt. Hon. Amber Rudd MP, The Home Secretary; Datuk Jimmy Choo OBE, shoe designer; chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Sara Thornton CBE; The Rt. Hon. Diane Abbott MP, The Shadow Home Secretary; and Dato’ Soo Min Yeoh, Executive Director of YTL Corporation Berhad.

12 women were selected as category winners by a judging panel chaired by Lady Emma Arbuthnot. See the full list of winners and highly commended candidates here.

Pinky Lilani OBE DL, Founder of the AWA Awards and the Women of the Future Programme commented: “We have received such a wide range of applications for our Asian Women of Achievement Awards 2017. From women
working at the cutting edge of science to photographers, artists, business leaders and social workers, we are proud to provide a platform to celebrate such incredible talent and the positive impact of British-Asian women on our society today.”

Marcelino Castrillo, MD of Business & Private Banking at NatWest, stated: “NatWest is proud to be a part of the Asian Women of Achievement Awards for the sixth consecutive year. As always, the shortlist this year showcases the incredible contribution that Asian women are making in the UK today. My congratulations to all those that have been shortlisted, they are fantastic role models already achieving tremendous success in their fields.”