The winners strike a pose at the TH Women's Awards
More than 250 women from all walks of life came together at the Tower Hamlets Women’s Awards to uplift, celebrate and recognise the contribution women make in society. Hosted by Tower Hamlets Council, the TH Women’s Awards shone a light on the unsung heroines who go above and beyond in their daily lives to create a fairer place to live.
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, who attended the event said:
“It is inspiring to see the camaraderie, support and sisterhood in this borough.
"While significant progress has been made, women in Tower Hamlets continue to face significant and unequal outcomes compared to their male counterparts.
"We know that women in our borough and across the country still experience barriers to equality in work, public life, social settings, and within their families.
"That’s why we established the Women’s Commission to confront these challenges head-on and work toward lasting, meaningful change."
The council received more than 140 nominations and seven awards were handed out at the event on 29 April.
Sarah Withers picked up the award for Best Advocate of the Year.
Sarah is a powerful advocate for women’s rights and equalities driven by her own lived experience as a survivor of domestic abuse and a disabled single mother.
Despite these challenges she runs a coaching programme supporting women to access leadership roles in male-dominated spaces.
Sarah also advocates for women’s health rights and stronger protections against gender-based violence.
She said:
“I am really proud to have won this award and it really does mean a lot. I will continue to work with the community to safeguard women’s rights and ensure our voices are heard.”
Mabel Chan scooped the prize for Best Volunteer of the Year.
Mabel has 25 years of youth work experience and delivers summer camp activities, half term sports provision and after school clubs.
She has a keen interest in championing girls’ football and young people look up to her as positive role model.
Mabel said:
“Thank you so much for this award. It is important to break down barriers in sports and give girls equal access to activities so they can choose their own path.
“I love working with young people and look forward to inspiring more female sports coaches, footballers and youth workers from the borough.”
16-year-old Maira Khatun was awarded Outstanding Young Person of the Year.
Maira has overcome many personal challenges to achieve her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, Jack Petchey Award and the Safer Neighbourhood Award.
She currently serves as a police cadet and has been involved in fundraising initiatives such as the London Winter Run, raised awareness on important issues such as reducing violence against women and girls and youth knife crime.
Maira said:
“I am so shocked to have won and grateful for this recognition.
I love the community work I do and being of service to others. Being a police cadet is such a great experience.
“I am looking forward to doing my silver DofE award and would encourage all young people to take part in the scheme.”
Cllr Abdul Wahid, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Social Inclusion said:
“Congratulations to all our winners and it was inspiring to hear from all of them.
“Over the next couple of months our Women’s Commission will be holding a series of engagement sessions with our residents and meeting with partners to help develop actions to support better outcomes for women across the borough.
“Please do get involved and tell us how we can make the borough a fairer place for women to thrive."
Find out more about the Women’s Commission.
List of TH Women’s Award winners
Women’s Advocate of the Year
- Sarah Withers
- Highly Commended - Farah Benis
Extraordinary Female Carer
- Hajira Bibi
- Highly Commended - Afifa Rahman
Female Volunteer of the Year
- Mabel Chan
- Highly Commended - Halima Mohammed
Female Business Excellence
- Terri-Lynne Brennand
- Highly Commended - Ozge Aygunoglu
Women’s Group of The Year
- Cycle Sisters Tower Hamlets Volunteers
- Highly Commended - Family Group Experts
Outstanding Young Female
- Maira Khatun
- Highly Commended – Salena Miah
Special Recognition - Mayor’s Awards
Posted on Friday 9th May 2025