Latest news with #WomenChangingtheWorldAwards
Perth Now
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Australian author crowned girl of the year
A young Australian is paving the way for child authors, writing her first book at the age of eight and publishing a series less than a year later. Sydney's Gabriella Dias, 12, has been recognised for her astonishing talents, winning the Girl of the Year Award at the 2025 Women Changing the World Awards. The awards night — held in London — celebrates women and girls who are leading positive global change. Gabriella has written a total of nine books as part of a fantasy adventures series which she started at the age of 8 and wrapped up at the age of 10. Four of the books in the Light of Luna series have been self published and an additional five are awaiting release. Gabriella is using her talent to inspire young writers and children, posting encouraging advice to her social media accounts. 'If I can write a book, so can any kid with a big imagination. My characters are more than just made-up people — they're my friends. They have their own voices and stories that need to be heard,' Gabriella said. The awards night was hosted by The Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson and renowned Humanitarian Dr Tererai Trent. The Duchess of York congratulated the young Australian author for being recognised for her talents. 'Gabriella, congratulations for the amazing Light of Luna series and for the incredible achievement of Women Changing the World Awards. What an achievement and inspiration you are,' the Duchess of York said.
Business News Wales
26-04-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Welsh Entrepreneur Wins Titles at Global Women's Awards
A Welsh entrepreneur has been recognised for three major awards at the internationally acclaimed Women Changing the World Awards. Natasha Leigh Bray from Bridgend was awarded first place in both the People's Choice Global Impact and the Wellness and Wellbeing Program categories for her HeartHealing® modality and certification, and received an honourable mention in Therapy & Counselling Services. She was the only Welsh woman to be a finalist and winner at the global ceremony honouring the achievements of women from around the world. Opening and closing the awards were Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and Dr. Tererai Trent, a leading global voice for women's education and empowerment. Natasha said: 'It's not often I am speechless… but it's very hard to put into words the energy, the electricity and the power felt being in a room with hundreds of women truly changing the world in all industries, cultures and countries. I cannot even describe the honour it is to even be considered as a finalist alongside all of the powerful world changing women I have met at this event, let alone recognised in three categories. This is definitely up there with being one of my most memorable achievements to date.' A former social worker, Natasha decided to leave the profession in 2017 and dedicate herself full-time to the business she had been building alongside her job. A few years later, she developed the HeartHealing® modality. Natasha founded her second business, the School of Healing Mastery in 2021, where she teaches her HeartHealing® modality to others. The therapeutic approach combines modern psychology with holistic healing.
Express Tribune
07-03-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Balochistan's women are not just survivors—they are architects of change
From activism to sports, Balochistan's women are reshaping their province's future despite ongoing struggles. While Balochistan, Pakistan's largest and most resource-rich province, continues to grapple with systemic challenges such as limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women, a wave of trailblazing women is rewriting the narrative. From climate activism to literary acclaim, sports to political leadership, Balochistan's women are emerging as global role models while addressing grassroots struggles. Zuneera Qayyum, a 14-year-old girl from Hub, Balochistan, is working as an emerging advocate for environmental issues, in addition to promoting literacy among girls. A few weeks prior, UNICEF nominated her as a 'Youth Advocate for Girls' in both fields. Moreover, in a groundbreaking effort to combat illiteracy, a collective of Baloch women launched the 'Camel Library' in 2022—the world's first mobile library on camelback—delivering books to over 15 remote villages in the Makran and Chagai regions. The project, praised by UNESCO, has reached 3,000 children, 60% of whom are girls. Alishba Khan Barech, from Nushki, Balochistan, has been named a finalist for the 2025 'Women Changing the World Awards.' Recognized for her contributions to literature, advocacy, and youth empowerment, Barech is in the running for the Young Woman of the Year Award. The global awards, led by Dr. Tererai Trent, celebrate women driving positive change worldwide. Barech, the youngest novelist and memoirist, wrote her debut novel at 11 and began her memoir at 14, aiming to reshape narratives about her hometown. The awards inspire women to unite and create a better future. Meanwhile, Dr. Marang Baloch, a human rights advocate, was named among the BBC's 100 Women 2024 for her work documenting enforced disappearances. Young athletes from Balochistan's Hazara community are making waves globally. Girls from the Hazara community won gold medals in the Asian Taekwondo Championships, while a Hazara woman became Pakistan's first female boxer to qualify for the Paris Olympics. Jalila Hyder is a prominent name from the Hazara community, advocating for human rights. She has been practicing law at the Balochistan Bar Council for seven years. Moreover, Samia Hafeez, a finalist for the Thomson Foundation's Young Journalist of the Year Award, is also from Balochistan. Sami Deen Baloch, a social activist, was awarded the International Women of Courage Award in 2024. A coalition of women leaders, including Comrade Sumaria Anka (labor rights activist) and Mahe Jhori Jamali ( politician) with zero percent formal education, is spearheading a peaceful political movement demanding equitable resource distribution and gender-sensitive legislation. Jhal Magsi's Lal Khatoon, a former schoolteacher, has organized a network of 200 women to run solar-powered literacy centers. Similarly, women from different regions of the province, including Falak Naz, Mahrya Mahmood Khosa, Naik Parveen, Zartaj Shah Khan, Anjuman Haider from Sohbatpur, Hameeda Noor, Lal Khatoon, Noor Jahan Mehmon from Jatpat, Parveen Meer, Zika Jamali from Ustad Muhammad, Munaria Bibi, Rehmat Qadar Mangal, Dr. Zainab Al-Nisa Magsi from Jahal Magsi, Hameeda Fahda Hasan, Sadia Fahda Hasan, Yasmeen Lahdi (X-MPA) from Kech (Bolan), and Comrade Sumaria Anka and Mahe Jhori Jamali from Zamehma, are playing pivotal roles in the province in different sociopolitical spaces for the betterment of their community. Baloch women are increasingly shaping policy and governance. When we look at the current cabinet, women hold key positions: Rehila Durrani is the education minister, and the deputy speaker is also a woman. Despite progress, 90% of Balochistan's women remain out of the formal workforce, and female literacy stands at just 25%. Activists stress the need for infrastructure investment and security reforms, particularly for Hazara and rural communities. The provincial government needs to enhance women's access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Establishing more schools and vocational training centers for women can empower them with skills and knowledge, while the government needs to take healthcare initiatives and focus on maternal and reproductive health. Encouraging women's participation in local governance and decision-making processes can amplify their voices. Additionally, creating safe spaces and legal support systems to combat gender-based violence is crucial. Microfinance programs and small business grants should be provided by the government to help women achieve financial independence. Community awareness campaigns to challenge cultural norms and promote gender equality are also essential for long-term change, which the Balochistan government should take steps toward.
