Inspirational Welsh women celebrated at Womenspire awards ceremony

Julie has been crowned Womenspire Champion 2019. Credit: Chwarae Teg

Hundreds of women gathered for the fourth annual Womenspire Awards at St Fagan's near Cardiff on Thursday night.

The evening was a celebration of the achievements of women across Wales. From fundraising to fighting racism, supporting their communities to leading the way for women in business, there was plenty to be proud of.

The overall winner, Womenspire Champion 2019 was Julie Thomas. Julie lost her sight after contracting an infection and was forced to give up her job as a headteacher.

Five years ago she started playing bowls and has since go on to represent Wales at the Commonwealth Games.

The Womenspire Awards are organised by the gender equality charity Chwarae Teg.

500 people packed the St Fagan's auditorium to cheer on the winners.

The Womenspire Awards are now in their fourth year. Credit: Chwarae Teg

The full list of winners is as follows:

  • Womenspire Champion 2019 – Julie Thomas

  • Rising Star – Rafia Jamil

  • Woman in Sport – Julie Thomas

  • Board Member, Abi CarterEntrepreneur – Hannah Saunders

  • Community Activist – Sahar Al-Faifi

  • Creative and Media – Tamara Harvey

  • Woman in STEM – Sarah Morgan

  • Learner – Andrea Garvey

  • Leader – Tracy Myhill

  • People’s Choice – Chisomo Phiri

  • FairPlay Employer© – Torfaen Leisure Trust, Cwmbran

  • Diversity Champion – Zimmer Biomet, Bridgend

Chisomo Phiri picked up the People's Choice award. Credit: Chwarae Teg

ITV's Ruth Wignall announced that Tamara Harvey had won the Creative and Media award.

As Artistic Director of Theatr Clwyd, Tamara’s productions have been recognised nationally, and the venue a finalist in the UK award for the top regional theatre.

Tamara Harvey picked up the Creative and Media gong. Credit: Chwarae Teg

Sarah Morgan from Abertillery runs Eco-Explore Education, providing science sessions for schools in South Wales. Together with studying for her Ph.D. in Parasite Ecology she creates opportunities for girls to engage with science and careers in STEM. Sarah won the Woman in STEM category.

Sarah Morgan was awarded the Woman in STEM prize. Credit: Chwarae Teg

Rafia Jamil lives in Knighton but came to the UK as an overseas pharmacist seven years ago and worked tirelessly to qualify as a pharmacist here. She has since developed a close relationship with her local community and sees patients in GP surgeries across Powys.

Rafia Jamil won the Rising Star award at this year's Womenspire Awards. Credit: Chwarae Teg