Published Thursday 6 March 2025 at 14:29
Drum roll please…
Today we are proud to be able to share with you the borough’s first-ever International Women’s Day ‘Be More Barbara’ Roll of Honour.
A huge thank you to every single person who took time out to nominate an inspirational woman in the borough.
Judges have been ‘blown away’ by the amazing women nominated for the borough’s
So many nominations flooded in. With over 120 women championed, each one celebrates an everyday hero – women making a real difference in our community.
From volunteers and carers to business leaders and campaigners, as the judging committee commented: “We’ve uncovered some real diamonds who are challenging the status quo!”
The ‘Be More Barbara’ Roll of Honour was created to shine a light on the hard work, kindness, and determination of women in our borough.
It’s named after the late Barbara Castle – Blackburn’s trailblazing MP who fought for equal pay and women’s rights – marking the 80th anniversary since she was first elected MP for Blackburn, 55 years since the Equal pay act 1070 was passed, and 50 years since it came into force.
She proved that one person can help change the world – and these women are doing just that – sprinkling a touch of magic wherever they go!
But after much deliberation, a shortlist was created, and one incredible woman will be crowned ‘Woman of the Year 2025’ at a celebration event held at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
With so many inspiring stories, narrowing down the finalists wasn’t easy.
The judges, Council Chief Executive Denise Park and Blackburn Rovers Community Trust Chief Executive Gary Robinson had an incredibly tough job.
Denise Park said:
From reading the nominations, it’s clear that this borough is full of women who go above and beyond every single day. They deserve to be celebrated not just on International Women’s Day, but all year round.
These awards are a chance to empower women and give them a voice to speak up and to stand as positive role models in our community.
Gary Robinson added:
From the shortlist, anyone could have won.
I feel really proud that this Award has uncovered so many women on our own doorstep doing amazing community service. It’s only right that they are proudly recognised in this way.
Cllr Elaine Whittingham, who has helped to co-ordinate the event and had the delight of ringing all the nominees and part of the shortlisting committee, said:
Through this Roll of Honour we have uncovered some real diamonds. I have had conversations with women who have had me in tears, just by listening to their humbling stories, none of them expecting to be nominated. I have been absolutely blown away by these women. What they do is phenomenal.
Want to see the full Roll of Honour? Wondering who made it to the final? Your friend, relative, colleague or neighbour might just be on there.
Picture caption: The main image was taken at the larger-than-life Barbara Castle bronze artwork to launch the competition. She has temporarily moved to One Cathedral Square from its original position in front of Blackburn College in Jubilee Square while refurbishment work to Blackburn’s Victoria Building takes place
Filed under : #BeMoreBarbara | bemorebarbra | Chief Executive Denise Park | International Women's Day | Roll of honour