The Extraordinary Ordinary

Fahma is one of our youngest-ever award winners. She was just 17 when she was given the Young Campaigner of the Year Award in 2014 in recognition of her remarkable efforts to highlight and ban the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM). A petition she started as a schoolgirl collected over 240,000 signatures and was supported by Nobel prize winner Malala Yousefzai and then UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon. Her campaign resulted in compulsory training for public sector works so they could identify and help girls at risk.  Ten years on, Fahma, who remains as dedicated to tackling gender and racial inequality reflects on the roots of her activism - which started when she was only 13 - and how it was nurtured by a very special teacher and talks about the reactions of her Somali community to her efforts, what she wished she had realised about the career opportunities that were open to her and why being the eldest of 10 children is so important to her. 

Life for someone with disabilities is challenging wherever you live, but even more so if that's in the developing world. As our 2010 Window on the World award winner discovered when she was living and working in Tanzania. Seeing people with disabilities begging on the streets, Susie put her degree in textiles to use and set up a social enterprise to provide crafts training and employment for people with disabilities. Starting with three deaf trainees and budget of just £400, by the time Susie left Tanzania ten years later, her centre, which included training facilities and an award-winning cafe, was working with over 120 people with a huge range of disabilities. Returning to the UK wasn't the end of Susie's efforts to create opportunities for people with disabilities. Very far from it. Her work now reaches communities here and not just in Tanzania but in Equador and Peru too. In this episode Susie reveals the reason why she is able to specially connect with the people she works with, how she met the challenge of being a young white woman trying to bring about change in an African country, who the childhood heroine of hers was who nominated her for her award and the surprising skill that brings her so much joy. 

Many of our award winners say that it felt like a dream being a winner. None, though, have been chosen to be the recipient because of a dream! But that's how Nina, the winner of the Women of the Year 2008 Outstanding Achievement Award says she came up with the idea of launching the first Moonwalk, a night time marathon walk through the streets of London to raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer where all the participants wore their, often highly decorated, bras very much on show Since then the Moonnwalks have happened annually, not just in London but in other places around the UK and the world, Walk the Walk, the charity Nina founded has raised over £143 million to support work done for and with breast cancer patients and research into the disease, and Nina has been awarded a CBE.  Nina recalls the shocking co-incidence that happened after her first fund-raising walk, how her work has been behind a fundamental shift in cancer care, and the reason why her experience of the Women of the Year lunch was unique.  

Since winning the Women of the Year, Window on the World Award in 2007 in recognition of her unwavering campaigning for the rights of victims of forced marriage, domestic violence and honour killings, Jasvinder has been awarded a CBE and was made a Dame in the King's Birthday Honours list this year.  It's all a far cry from her strict upbringing and arranged marriage to a stranger in India which she was informed about at the age of 14. Running away from home, she lost everything she'd ever known and faced many challenges as well as heartbreaking tragedy, all of which only cemented her determination to help others facing the same injustices and cruelty.  Jasvinder describes what life was like growing up in her fiercely traditional Indian family and the traumatic, and still deeply felt, ramifications of choosing to run away rather than face a forced marriage like her sisters. She shares the roots of her campaigning work and reveals how long it took for her message and mission to gain any traction, and why she had to check under her car every morning before doing the school run with her children. 

Working as a young nurse in a remote feeding station in famine-torn Ethiopia, and facing the impossible daily decision of which of the thousands of starving children to save, Claire, the winner of the 2005 Women of the Year Window on the World Award, never imagined the impact the interview she gave to BBC reporter Michael Buerk would have. Becoming the trigger for the iconic Band Aid single Feed the World and the Live Aid concert that followed it, may have radically improved the appalling suffering of the Ethiopians Claire was caring for, but it had less welcome ramifications for the young nurse when she returned to the UK.  Claire, who was made a Dame in 2010 for services to nursing and international humanitarian aid, talks about memories of her time in Ethiopia and why she couldn't wait to get rid of “the annoying bloke from the BBC”; what she did afterwards to process her experiences in the country; why she returned there 20 years later and reveals how receiving our 2005 Window on the World Award prompted her to reflect on her work and how others perceived it.

To mark the 70th anniversary of Women of the Year, in this series we're talking to some of the extraordinary ordinary women whose exceptional achievements, courage and legacy (or, indeed, all three) have been recognised with special awards at the event over the decades. They talk about why they were chosen as award winners, recall their memories of the day and share what's happened in their lives since then.  Our first guest is also one of our earliest award winners. Pam Warren became known as The Woman in the Mask when, as the worst affected victim of the catastrophic Paddington train crash exactly 25 years ago, she had to wear a plastic mask to protect her badly burnt face as it slowly healed. In spite of the huge challenges she faced in recovering physically and mentally from her appalling injuries, Pam became an outspoken campaigner for improved passenger safety and we presented her with our Women of the Year Award in 2001 in recognition of her remarkable bravery and determination.  Pam talks about learning to live with PTSD, how the crash changed her life for the better, why it's important she doesn't get bored, and the famous reporter she met at the lunch and how they became friends. 

Saying that this episode's guest holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon run dressed as a nut, doesn't even begin to do justice to the absurd number of ridiculously difficult physical challenges that former Major in the Royal Army Medical Core, Sally Orange, has undertaken in her on-going quest to raise awareness of mental health issues.  This is a woman who has run the hardest land race in the world, the brutal Marathon de Sables, and the Siberian Ice Race in Russia. Who has skied 250km across the Artic Circle, and done the Arch to Arc triathlon - running from Marble Arch, swimming across the Channel, then cycling to the Arc de Triumph in Paris. Who has led the first ever all female wounded, injured and sick team to complete the word's most challenging cycling event, the Race Across America, and is the only woman to have run seven marathons in seven continents in seven days. Awarded an MBE in the King's first Birthday Honours list this year for services to charity and mental health, Sally talks with powerful honesty about her own struggles with severe mental health problems and how her experiences, and her desire to help anybody else going through anything similar, have been the driving force behind all the astonishingly difficult challenges she has done and continues to do. Learn more about Sally here sallyorange.com And find her on Instagram at sallyorangembe and LinkedIn at Sally Orange MBE Written and Presented by Diane Kenwood Produced by Clare Lynch This Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

Our guest today is Hasina Rahman, a young woman whose unwavering determination and courage led her to embark on a transformative martial arts journey starting when she was a teenager. Her story is a testament to the power of self-belief, resilience, and passion. Hasina founded Pink Diamond Martial Arts in 2015 in Luton. The idea had come to her while she was at home looking after her four-month-old baby and toddler. Being a fully certified personal trainer with expertise in three different martial arts disciplines, including karate, kick-boxing, and Muay Thai, she aspired to create a business that merged her passion for martial arts whilst also empowering women and girls to rediscover themselves physically and mentally. This led to her brainchild of establishing an exclusive women's combat club, and Pink Diamond Martial Arts opened its doors offering instruction in Muay Thai, mixed martial arts, and self-defense. Hasina serves as the head instructor at Pink Diamond Martial Arts, where she conducts  classes and manages day-to-day operations. Pink Diamond Martial Arts also runs self-defence workshops around the UK, teaching women life-saving techniques. Remarkably, she has also authored a children's book titled "Heroes: A Guide to Anti-Bullying." To find out more about Pink Diamond go to: Pink_Diamond_ (martial-arts.org.uk) Written and Presented by Jo Baring Produce by Clare Lynch This Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

If you've ever considered making a career pivot, we can pretty much guarantee it wouldn't be quite as life-changing as the one made by our guest on this episode of the Extraordinary Ordinary. When she decided to sign up for a fishing trip off the coast of Norfolk in 2012, Ashley Mullenger could never have imagined she would fall in love with being out at sea and fishing and that that growing passion would eventually lead to her leaving her office job in logistics management to become a full time fisherman. Or that in 2022 she would become the first woman ever to win Under 10-metre (that's a reference to the size of boat she fishes from) Fisherman of the Year. Ashley describes what daily life is like fishing from the tidal harbour in Norfolk where she lives, the challenges of getting their catch to market and the complicated intricacies of the fishing industry and how they impact small fishing enterprises like hers. To find discover more follow Ashley on Instagram at thefemalefisherman Written and Presented by Diane Kenwood Produced by Clare Lynch This Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

A 30 year career as an NHS nurse didn't help Jo Tosh to piece together the strange symptoms she started to experience as being the first signs that she was suffering with Parkinsons Disease.  But them why would she, she was only in her mid forties and Parkinson's is an old persons disease isn't it?  It was one of the many lessons Jo has learnt in the eight years since her diagnosis, and one of the reasons she has become a determined advocate for other Parkinsons sufferers and campaigner for better recognition of the disease and more to be done to find new treatments and, hopefully, eventually a cure.  Jo talks about the way Parkinson's has affected her, how she's learnt to live with the potentially crushing uncertainty of its progression and find not just joy and purpose but something altogether unexpected as well.  To learn more about Jo's Parkinsons journey and campaign follow her on Instagram at ladyduffgordon   Written and Presented by Diane Kenwood Produced by Clare Lynch This Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

Our guest today is Stacey Copeland, a trailblazer in the world of sports and a champion for gender equality in athletics. Stacey Copeland is not just an accomplished athlete; she's a history-maker. In 2018, she became the first British woman to win a Commonwealth title in boxing, a groundbreaking achievement that showcased her incredible skill and determination. Her victory in the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia marked a significant moment in women's boxing and garnered attention and admiration for her achievements in the sport. But Stacey's story goes beyond the boxing ring. As a footballer she represented England U18s, played in an FA cup final and has also played abroad in America and Sweden. She's also a passionate advocate for gender equality in sports, using her platform to challenge stereotypes and empower women and girls to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face. Stacey is deeply passionate about making a positive impact through sport and in 2017 she founded the Pave The Way project to challenge gender stereotypes, spark social change and make a difference. To learn more go to www.stacey-copeland.co.uk Written and Presented by Jo Baring Produce by Clare Lynch This Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

Our guest today is Gillian Millane, a mother whose life was forever changed by a heartbreaking event that captured the world's attention. In December 2018, a young woman named Grace Millane was traveling in New Zealand. What was meant to be an exciting adventure for the bubbly 21 year old turned into a nightmare that no family should ever have to go through. On the eve of her 22nd birthday, Grace went on a date with a man she had met online in Auckland. During that date, he murdered her. He was charged on the 8thDecember 2018, but during the subsequent trial used a harrowing defence argument, the so-called ‘rough sex' defence. He was jailed for life.  Gillian Millane has since become an advocate for justice, raising awareness about the importance of respecting and protecting the rights and safety of individuals, especially when they're far from home. She's here to share her story of turning pain into purpose, seeking justice, and ensuring that Grace's legacy lives on. The Extraordinary Ordinary, from Women of the Year, shines a light on incredible achievements by women who you've probably never heard of (until now), but whose passion, dedication, and fierce determination has changed society, their communities and the world, in ways that will inspire and uplift you. To learn more about Love Grace go to www.lovegrace.co.uk www.whiteribbon.org.uk wecantconsenttothis.uk Written and Presented by Jo Baring Produce by Clare Lynch This Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

Karen has always been passionate about exploring the great outdoors. But when she was just 21 years old, she fell while climbing a sea cliff. The life-changing accident left her paralysed from the chest down. But she didn't let that stop her from doing what she loved the most - going on adventures. She has since skied across icecaps, hand-cycled the world's biggest mountain ranges, and even become a British paralympic gold medallist. Karen is now gearing up for her biggest adventure yet, a record-breaking journey across the Antarctic. It will be the first time any woman who can't walk has been to the South Pole and will be an enormous mental challenge as well as a physical one. The Extraordinary Ordinary, from Women of the Year, shines a light on incredible achievements by women who you've probably never heard of (until now), but whose passion, dedication, and fierce determination has changed society, their communities and the world, in ways that will inspire and uplift you. Written and hosted by:  Mojo Abidi Produced by: Clare Lynch Executive producer: Jo Baring The Extraordinary Ordinary is brought to you in partnership with Silicon Valley Bank UK 

Imelda Poole is a nun. But I can confidently say she's quite unlike any nun you've ever met. Because for the past 17 years, Imelda has been leading the fight against modern slavery in. Albania. She co-founded Mary Ward Loreto, an organisation which addresses the root causes of trafficking, rehabilitates victims and brings the perpetrators of slavery to justice. She is also the president of RENATE, an international network of religious sisters who works together to combat human trafficking across 31 European countries. Her work has been recognised with a well-deserved MBE.  The Extraordinary Ordinary, from Women of the Year, shines a light on incredible achievements by women who you've probably never heard of (until now), but whose passion, dedication, and fierce determination has changed society, their communities and the world, in ways that will inspire and uplift you. Written and hosted by:  Mojo Abidi Produced by: Clare Lynch Executive producer: Jo Baring The Extraordinary Ordinary is brought to you in partnership with Silicon Valley Bank UK 

Sue Fish spent her entire career in the police, working her way up to Nottinghamshire chief constable. In a field dominated by men, Sue did radical work to champion women both in and out of the force. In 2016, she became the first chief constable to record misogyny as a hate crime. During her career, Sue saw the best of the police but also the worst. Since retiring, she's opened up about her experience of sexism throughout her time in the force, to try to make a change for the next generation of officers. Sue retired in 2017, but now runs a consultancy firm where she continues her work campaigning on women's safety.  The Extraordinary Ordinary, from Women of the Year, shines a light on incredible achievements by women who you've probably never heard of (until now), but whose passion, dedication, and fierce determination has changed society, their communities and the world, in ways that will inspire and uplift you. Written and hosted by:  Mojo Abidi Produced by: Clare Lynch Executive producer: Jo Baring The Extraordinary Ordinary is brought to you in partnership with Silicon Valley Bank UK 

Julie Siddiqi is someone who finds it impossible to stay silent when she sees injustice happening. She's a Muslim convert, a campaigner and a women's rights activist, with a list of accomplishments so long it would take a whole episode just to go through them all. Among them are the Open My Mosque campaign, which fights inequality in UK mosques, and Together We Thrive, an organisation that connects Muslim women to people of all backgrounds.  The Extraordinary Ordinary, from Women of the Year, shines a light on incredible achievements by women who you've probably never heard of (until now), but whose passion, dedication, and fierce determination has changed society, their communities and the world, in ways that will inspire and uplift you. Written and hosted by:  Mojo Abidi Produced by: Clare Lynch Executive producer: Jo Baring The Extraordinary Ordinary is brought to you in partnership with Silicon Valley Bank UK 

May Parsons moved to the UK from the Philippines 19 years ago to continue her career as a nurse. And on the 8th of December 2020, she made history when she administered the world's first Coronavirus vaccine outside of clinical trials. May was then chosen to represent the NHS to receive the historic George Cross award from Her Late Majesty the Queen, in recognition of the exceptional efforts of NHS staff across the country during the pandemic. She has become a fierce advocate for nurses, especially those from abroad, fighting for better treatment and respect.  The Extraordinary Ordinary, from Women of the Year, shines a light on incredible achievements by women who you've probably never heard of (until now), but whose passion, dedication, and fierce determination has changed society, their communities and the world, in ways that will inspire and uplift you.  Written and hosted by:  Mojo Abidi  Produced by: Clare Lynch  Executive producer: Jo Baring The Extraordinary Ordinary is brought to you in partnership with Silicon Valley Bank UK 

Kate Stanforth was on track to become a professional dancer until she became disabled as a teenager. She was diagnosed with a life-changing illness that means she often has to use a wheelchair. At some points, she thought she'd never dance again. But she's used her passion to do some incredible things. Such as starting her own inclusive dance school, which is open to everyone - including people with disabilities.  The Extraordinary Ordinary, from Women of the Year, shines a light on incredible achievements by women who you've probably never heard of (until now), but whose passion, dedication, and fierce determination has changed society, their communities and the world, in ways that will inspire and uplift you.  Written and hosted by:  Mojo Abidi  Produced by: Clare Lynch  Executive producer: Jo Baring  The Extraordinary Ordinary is brought to you in partnership with Silicon Valley Bank UK 

Katrin McMillian is the founder of Hello World, which offers a remarkable solution to the challenge of delivering accessible, affordable education to communities in the developing world, through innovative solar powered, internet-enabled education Hubs, each built by the community, for the community, giving them education materials and internet access. In this inspiring episode Katrin describes how a TED talk changed her outlook on the world of education, and how she realised, and then witnessed, that children are capable of learning even in the absence of school rooms and teachers. She talks passionately about her frustrations with international development methods, and openly describes how she ended up in tears after some pitching meetings to potential funders. She admits she doesn't always cope with the demands of the charity and the rest of her life with her diplomat husband and four children and calls on us all to stop praising dads for taking on their share of domestic and parenting duties. In this episode we're also joined by author and writer, the brilliantly witty Kathy Lette. When Kathy first came to the Women of the Year lunch she was worried it might be too posh, but she discovered that “the opposite was true. It confirmed what I've always believed, that women are each other's human wonderbras. They make each other look bigger and better.” In her own inimitable style, Kathy describes the changes that have taken place at the lunch over the years, and the way life has moved on for women in society in general. 

A conversation with a homeless man about how he looked after his much loved dog, led Michelle, Southern, to launch a charity providing free veterinary care for the pets of homeless people. Street Paws looks after the animals and provides emergency housing for them if their owners have to go into hospital, it also supports hostels and trains their staff in the care of animals so that homeless people can access their services. Michelle movingly describes the fiercely protective relationship homeless people have with their animals and how, in the early days of Street Paws, it took time to win their trust. She talks about how the pandemic helped to accelerate one of her key aims, and how she fought to help devoted pet owners not to be separated from their animals. She shares her dreams for the charity she started and runs, and the actions she'd like to see taken to help people out of the cycle of homelessness. Oh, and she reveals what her favourite breed of dog is.    In this episode we're also joined by journalist, presenter and Labour Party peer, the magnificent Dame Joan Bakewell who recalls the early days of the Women of the Year Lunch, how, on her time at the event,  she was predominantly preoccupied by how the dress she was wearing would look, and how being there made, and makes, her conscious of being part of the onward tide of women's progress.

Whilst she was teaching literacy in prisons Sharon Berry became increasingly dismayed by the damage their enforced separation caused the prisoners and their children. Her response was to create Storybook Dads, so that fathers could record themselves reading stories and sending messages to their children at home. From a small start in just one prison, her scheme is now in100 prisons across the country and includes mothers too. The model has been copied by the Army (where it's called Storybook Soldiers), Navy (Storybook Waves) and Airforce (Storybook Wings) and around the world.  Sharon talks about the pleasure it brings her to enable prisoners to have meaningful contact with their children, the broader ways the scheme helps them to be rehabilitated and the pivot she was forced to make during lockdown. In this candid and fascinating conversation she shares her own story of leaving school at 16 and the university lecturer she met whilst working in a bar who changed the course of her life.   In this episode we're also joined by the fabulous actress, Tamzin Outhwaite who talks about her memories and experiences of being at the Women of the Year Lunch, the special young guest who became her “sidekick” and the feeling of being surrounded by warrior women.

Her husband's experience of being diagnosed with blood cancer is the driving force behind Sally Hurman's determination to inform people about the illness and the need for them to sign up to the stem cell register. She uses her social media platform and a terrifying variety of death-defying stunts to raise both awareness and much need funds for research. Sally movingly describes the terror she felt at her husband's diagnosis and the struggle she had to accept the huge change it brought to their lives. She reflects on the power of social media for creating communities and helping others, and the need for authenticity and trust when you have a public platform. As for her crazy fund-raising stunts, well, she has a theory for those too. In this episode we're also joined by the magnificent actress Noma Dumezweni who admits that her expectations of the Women of the Year lunch weren't exactly high, and how those expectations were blown out of the water by the enormous diversity of women she encountered at the event. She considers the value of an event celebrating women and reflects' on how our differences are our superpowers.

When Ayesha Aslam was studying psychology and counselling she was struck by the lack of inclusion of spirituality or culture in the training. After much research she devised her own model of counselling, combining mainstream approaches with Islamic perspective, and launched Sakoon, the first, and now leading, provider of Islamic counselling services in the UK.  Ayesha reflects on what it was like to go from being one of the few Muslims in the community she grew up in, in County Durham, to moving to multi-cultural London as a young teenager. She talks about the shame that used to be attached to people from the South Asian community seeking help for their problems and how attitudes towards mental health have changed over the years. And she shares the reservations her family initially had about her career choice and path.   In this episode we're also joined by the wonderful actress, and long-time supporter of Women of the Year, Dame Maureen Lipman who reveals the yearly suggestion she makes to the Women of the Year team, but which is still to be taken up. And she discusses what she would like to see happening in the on-going challenge of establishing and maintaining true equality for women across the board. 

23 year old Lavinia Stennett is a writer, activist, and Founder and CEO of The Black Curriculum, a social enterprise working to both teach, and support the teaching of, Black history in schools, with the aim of empowering all students with a sense of identity and belonging. Lavinia vividly describes the feeling of otherness that she grew up with, and the confusion she felt about the disconnect between education and her culture and background. She tells about the moment in 2016 which changed the course of her education and ambitions, and the vision she had that galvanised her to found The Black Curriculum. She acknowledges the shocking event that boosted her work to a new level and she urges us all to take the best possible care of our mental health by using the free resource that's available to us all. In this episode we're also joined by powerhouse polymath Dame Floella Benjamin, who talks about the very special relationship she had with Women of the Year founder, Baroness Antonella Lothian.  Floella was also Chair of Women of the Year for five years, and she describes what that role entails and her vision for the future. 

Sara Ward joined Black Country Women's Aid over 20 years ago, and has transformed the independent charity, which supports victims of abuse and exploitation, in the West Midlands from a small refuge provider, to a dynamic regional crisis centre. Sara oversees the provision of support to over 8000 victims of abuse each year. In this powerful episode, Sara calls for a collective response to violence against girls and women, the need educate young men about their attitudes and behaviours in ways that are encouraging and nurturing, and the importance of speaking out against injustice. She describes the values she has brought up her two sons to believe in and how her work family embraced them all when her husband suddenly died. She reflects on how she changed from a quiet, watchful teenager, to a woman who very definitely won't take no for an answer! And she reveals what she sees as her greatest achievement. In this episode we're also joined by the wonderful actress, Phyllis Logan who admits that when she came to the Women of the Year lunch she expected it to be full of strident feminists who didn't take any prisoners, but left walking on air, and she recalls a particular moment that still gives her tingles thinking about it.

Sylvia Mac overcame an appalling trauma as a young child to become a vocal supporter of, and dedicated campaigner for, people living with disfigurement. After a lifetime of agonising about what she saw as her ugly body, a moment of revelation changed her mindset and her attitude and she launched herself into creating an organisation she calls Love Disfigure, through which she supports others and challenges the fashion retail and media industries to be more inclusive and representative. Sylvia describes the harrowing experience of the accident that changed her life, the years of treatment and procedures she has endured, and continues to need, and the mental toll they have taken on her. She recalls the moment her self-image changed for ever and describes the work she does to empower and inspire others who are struggling with their mental health and self-esteem because of their body issues. She also answers the four quick-fire questions we ask each of our Extraordinary Ordinary women: In this episode we're also joined by the brilliant actress, comedienne and presenter, and host of the Women of the Year Lunch, Mel Giedroyc, who remembers getting very over-excited on her first time at the event by an encounter with one particular guest and the joyous, joyful and joy-spreading nature of the lunch each year.