Queen’s honours for inspirational women

This week the world highlighted the achievements of incredible women on International Women’s Day, an event that celebrates “the economic, political and social achievements of women, past, present and future”.  Twice a year, The Queen also celebrates the achievements of inspirational women by recognising them with an honour for their work and achievements. Here are a few examples of exceptional female leaders who have received a Queen’s honour in recent years:

Dame Barbara Stocking (pictured above) led the British charity Oxfam for 12 years between 2001 and 2013. Under her leadership Oxfam tackled worldwide issues in Afghanistan, Iraq and Sudan, as well as addressing the aftermath of the South Asian tsunami and the earthquake in Pakistan. Barbara was awarded a DBE in 2008 for her outstanding charity work.

Julie Kenny CBE founded the company Pyronix Limited back in 1986 and is now Chair and Chief Executive. Pyronix is based in South Yorkshire and manufactures electronics for intruder alarms. In recognition of her contribution to the region’s business and industry, Julie was awarded her CBE in 2002.

Carolyn Mccall OBE is the current Chief Executive of easyJet, appointed in March 2010. Carolyn was a Non-Executive Director of Lloyds TSB, New Look and Tesco, alongside a range of other high-powered roles across a variety of industries. In June 2008 Carolyn was awarded her OBE for her services to women in business.

Patricia O’Hagan MBE is the CEO of Core Systems, organisations that develops software for prisons, high security facilities and government buildings. Patricia joined Core Systems in 1999 and has taken the company from strength to strength. Patricia was awarded an MBE in the 2013 New Year Honours List for her services to the Northern Ireland economy.

This is just a small example of some of the high-achieving women who have been awarded a Queen’s honour. In the last decade there has been a big push to have more women named on the Queen’s honours list, and finally in the 2014 New Years Honours List there was an equal split between men and women. 

Is there an inspirational woman you would like to nominate for recognition of her work and achievements? For an honest opinion of your nominee’s chances of success call us now on +44 (0)1444 230130 or email enquiries@awardsintelligence.co.uk for our free, informal assessment.

Please note: individuals profiled or referred to on this Blog are not necessarily clients of Awards Intelligence.