Celebrating the contribution of Asian women in Wales

The achievements of Asian women in Wales will be celebrated at an awards ceremony, inspired and created by Cardiff University Professor Meena Upadhyaya.

The Welsh Asian Women Achievement Awards will recognise the contribution of Asian women in all walks of Welsh life including the arts; business; management and leadership; science, technology and medicine; social and humanitarian work; and self-development. This year's ceremony will also feature a new award for lifetime achievement. Nominations were invited for women from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, Japan, Malaysia and Burma who have lived in Wales for two years or more.

Professor Upadhyaya was inspired to set up the awards to celebrate the often unsung achievements of Asian women in Wales, and to identify female role models for the Asian community. Professor Upadhyaya herself is internationally recognised within the field of medical genetics and has contributed to improving the quality of life for patients with life-threatening inherited conditions through her research as well as coaching children from local Asian communities to enter University.

Professor Upadhyaya, School of Medicine said: "The awards have identified a cohort of remarkable finalists. I feel privileged and inspired to be involved with these highly talented and exceptional Asian women. Our aim is to empower these women so that they can be role models not only for the Asian Community, but also for the whole of Wales. I look forward to working with them on wider issues relating to women."

Farhana Ali, a previous winner said: "Winning the Asian Small Business Woman of the Year award in 2011 was one of the most momentous events of my life. At the ceremony I was left speechless (well almost!), but afterwards I felt that it was a confirmation that all the hard work in setting up my business had been worth it and gave me renewed confidence in my abilities.

"Since then, there have been a number of developments in my business, much of which can be attributed to the publicity surrounding the award and the kudos associated with it. I am receiving enquiries from as far afield as Ilford, Bristol and Birmingham and there has been an increase from Cardiff and the surrounding areas. Also, following media coverage, the proportion of my clientele from non-Asian background has significantly increased giving my business a wider base."

Cardiff University supports the awards with judges including Professor Teresa Rees from the School of Social Sciences; Professor Julian Sampson, Head of the Institute of Medical Genetics; Emeritus Professor Susan Denman, formerly of the School of Medicine; Professor Terry Threadgold, former Pro Vice-Chancellor for Staff and Diversity and Professor Dianne Edwards from the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Shortlisted nominees have been interviewed in February ahead of the ceremony to be held at Cardiff's City Hall in April.

More than 250 people attended the 2011 ceremony and a proportion of profits from this year's event will go to Cancer Research Wales.