First Women Awards aim to encourage new generation to succeed in the world of business

First Women Awards aim to encourage new generation to succeed in the world of business

Keywords: Women, Business studies, United Kingdom

The CBI and Real Business magazine have teamed up to launch the First Women Awards. The inaugural ceremony took place in London on June 8, 2005.

The First Women Awards recognise women who have broken new ground in British business life. They are aimed at women whose personal achievements in their business sector have helped to remove barriers and prejudices or have opened up opportunities for others to follow.

Sir Digby Jones, CBI Director-General, said: “The British economy needs more women to go into business, or to return to business, or to create new businesses. The new First Women Awards aim to seek out and publicly recognise inspiring role models on all those counts. It is vital that girls at school believe that the world of business is also for them.

“Great progress has been made in broadening the participation of women in business and more women are reaching the highest levels, but there is still much more to be done. We need to encourage and inspire women’s aspirations and attract their creativity and talents into the wealth-creating part of our society. This is what the First Women Awards will aim to do.”

The Awards are open to all women in business in the UK. There are eight principal categories:

• 1.

  manufacturing;

• 2.

  finance;

• 3.

  technology;

• 4.

  retail and property;

• 5.

  business services;

• 6.

  media;

• 7.

  science; and

• 8.

  tourism and leisure.

There is also a corporate award for the company that has done the most for promoting women in the workplace, and a lifetime achievement award.