The Tribune

FIFTY outstanding Bahamian women are to be recognised in the inaugural Woman of Excellence awards later this year for their accomplishments professionally and within the community.

The awards will recognise women who have made significant contributions in the Bahamas in the fields of arts, business, finance and trade, religion, law, civics, media and sports.

Celebrating Woman International (CWI) will announce the names of those to be honoured next month with the awards to be presented in October as part of a month’s programme of events.

“CWI thinks honouring women for their accomplishments and hard work is a wonderful way to thank and inspire other women within the community,” CWI Corporate Secretary, Collin Smith, said. “These awards are intended to do that. The selected honorees have demonstrated an untiring zeal for service to the community and inspire us through their selfless commitment to improving the lives of others.”

The October events will include a gospel concert, a woman’s symposium entitled “Are we there yet”, a church service, a fun run and walk, the “Woman of Excellence” awards luncheon, a one day woman’s festival and a Pink and Red Rose Ball at which T-Connection will perform. Collin Smith said a part of the proceeds from all paid events will support the fight against women suffering from HIV/AIDs and cancer in the Bahamas.

CWI, founded last year, is a non-profit organisation which aims to “mobilise and inspire women across the globe, to honour, recognise and celebrate the contributions of women, leveraging their untapped leadership capabilities in order for them to thrive in the world so that they can lead productive lives”.

CWI’s goals are to unite, connect, engage and inspire women to honour and celebrate themselves and other women worldwide; expand women’s global business and leadership opportunities; create a virtual “Celebrating Woman” worldwide centre and hall of honour by 2020; provide a global education initiative focused on honouring differences and to inspire a spirit of service and giving among women.