'Women of the Year' poll is launched

Organised by Derry City Council, the event is set to celebrate women in the Council area and acknowledge the contribution they have made throughout the city's communities over the past year.

Joanna Boyd, the Council's Women's Officer explained that over the last three years the event has become a huge success, attracting a lot of interest from women across the city and providing them with a unique opportunity to acknowledge the important role women play in the everyday life of the city.

"The Women of the Year awards event is an important part of the city's events calendar and provides us with a chance to celebrate women and their achievements. There are 13 categories this year to ensure that all possible opportunities for recognition have been identified and we are keen to get a wide range of nominations from across the city," she said.

Endorsing the event, Mr Eastwood said it was important the Council recognised the role of women in our communities who are contributing significantly to the local community.

"It's a great event and a great way of paying tribute to people who are working in our communities to help others and I would encourage people to get their nominations in and be part of this special celebration," he commented.

This year's categories are: Contribution to women's community development; community relations; health; sport or dance; to dealing with abuse against women; the Arts; formal/informal education; older people; youth; childcare; caring; Young Women's Award, nominees must be aged between 18 and 25, and women living with a disability.

Overall winner will win the title Woman of the Year 2011. Individual may only enter one category, but may also be involved in a nomination for overall winner and nomination forms are available from Ms Boyd by telephoning on 028 7136 5151 or are downloadable from www.derrycity.gov.uk/woman

The closing date is noon, Wednesday, February 2, and entries in sealed envelopes and marked 'Women of the Year Award 2010' must be sent to Joanna Boyd, Women's Officer, Derry City Council, Development Department, 98 Strand Road, Londonderry, BT48 7NN.

Tickets are 15, including dinner and entertainment, and are available by contacting Joanna Boyd at Derry City Council, or Foyle Women's Information Network, on 028 71 266291, after February 4.

Priority will be given to nominees and people who nominate.