Our CEO, Yvonne Lawson will join over 400 women from all walks of life at the Women of the Year Lunch as a ‘2017 Woman of Achievement’. Each guest is regarded as a ‘Woman of the Year’ and represents not only herself, but the millions of women who make a difference every day.

Yvonne is being recognised for her work here at the Godwin Lawson Foundation (GLF);  which she is founder and CEO. Yvonne set up the GLF in 2012 in memory of, and inspired by Godwin’s life, after he was stabbed to death trying to stop some friends being attacked by four other young men. He was just 17. GLF aims to advance the education of young people at risk from gang involvement/exploitation, and deprivation, enabling them to develop their capabilities and reach their full potential as members of a tolerant society. Godwin’s story is used illustrate the terrible and far reaching consequences carrying knives can have; and educate young people on how to keep themselves safe, seek out and capitalise on appropriate opportunities; and empower them make a positive contribution to their communities. Working closely with young people themselves, schools, local police, London Ambulance Service and youth and community organisations, we provide and develop targeted, need driven services that enable young people to find alternative pathways to gangs and knife crime.

Yvonne comments, “I am absolutely delighted to have been recognised by the Women of the Year Committee for the work of the Godwin Lawson Foundation. As a charity in 2017, we are sadly seeing a rise in fatal incidents related to knife crime. It is more important than ever we all work together to reduce violent crime amongst young people which devastates families, friends and communities.“

This year’s event will take place on Monday 16 October 2017 at the InterContinental Hotel, Park Lane, London.

Previous attendees of the Women of the Year Lunch have included: Eimear McBride, Ellen MacArthur, Fern Britton, Dame Harriet Walter, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, Julie Walters CBE, Lindsay Lohan, Lulu, Mel Giedroyc, Nadiya Hussein, Nicole Kidman, Professor Mary Beard, Sally Lindsay and Theresa May.

Women of the Year has recognised, celebrated and inspired women of all backgrounds since 1955 and continues to shine a light on ordinary women, doing extraordinary work, through an annual Lunch and Awards ceremony, Alumnae events and on-going foundation work.

Sandi Toksvig, President of Women of the Year, said: “I’m looking forward to the honour of welcoming these incredible women to the Lunch in October. These women are making a huge difference in their own way, and it’s important that we celebrate such extraordinary work. I would love to show the room to every schoolgirl growing up in Britain today and tell them ‘you can be whatever you want to be: just look at these incredible women.’”

Exceptional women will receive special awards at the Lunch for being an inspiration to others, demonstrated by their courage, selflessness and dedication. These special Women of the Year Awards are sponsored by BarclaysGood Housekeeping, ITV’s Lorraine and Prudential and will be announced on Monday 16 October 2017.

Share This