Since 2016, we have been holding an annual award ceremony, close to International Women’s Day (8th March), to showcase women who have made a significant difference in the life of individuals and communities without looking for recognition or reward. Individuals and charities are invited to nominate a candidate for these awards. A panel of judges usually select one main winner and one highly commended winner.
This year’s ceremony was opened by President Jill, who welcomed everyone and explained the importance of International Women’s Day to women everywhere.
International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually as a focal point in the women’s rights movement. IWD gives focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. This year’s IWD theme was, “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”.[66] This theme aligned with the priority theme for the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW-68), which was “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective”.[67]
Immediate Past President Nettie then introduced a video, showcasing the achievements of St Austell & District club over the previous year. You can find this on our facebook page
Following this, the very talented Kana Kres entertained us with a Cornish Medley, to remember St Piran’s day, in a few day’s time. This was the first official performance for this fresh, new quartet. Milly, Issac, Paige and Jake are talented young people, who just love to make music and have joined together to form this quartet. They are members of the award-winning Cornwall Youth Choirs, of which Soroptimist Karen (one of our Comperes) is a proud patron and ambassador. 
Soroptimist Jane and Nettie gave us an overview of this year’s nominees, all of whom were worthy of recognition for the amazing contributions that they make to their local communities.
Regional President Margaret then read out the winner of the younger category. Keira Georgiou, aged 16, who for the last seven years has spent several hours each day caring for two of her younger siblings was the winner.
Her support worker Sarah White, said that Kiera is quiet and unassuming, a guardian, who watches what needs doing and gets on with it. Keira’s family were present to watch her receive the award.
The overall winner was Samantha Smith, student experience manager at Cornwall College in St Austell. Samantha goes over and above her working hours to support students.
Unfortunately, Samantha was not able to be present on the night and so accepted her award, from Mark Hewson, over the phone! Mark, Imerys Industrial Hub Director was representing Imerys as this year’s headline sponsor.
Unusually, this year, the judges wanted to recognise another nominee as ‘highly commended’. Carolyn Boyce also received her award from Mark Hewson. 
All nominees received a certificate and some flowers to celebrate their achievements. President Jill said that “recognising the huge impact that these women play in the lives of those around them is such an important part of the club’s year. What better time to do it then in celebration of International Women’s Day.”
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