Watford charity One Vision host awards on International Women's Day

A total of 13 awards were presented virtually during a webinar hosted by the Watford-based One Vision charity to mark International Women's Day.

Monday's event was hosted by Sky News presenter Gillian Joseph and attended by dozens of guests including the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Henry Holland-Hibbert and three MPs - Minister for Children Vicky Ford, Shadow International Development Secretary Preet Gill and Watford MP Dean Russell.

BBC News presenter Annita McVeigh, Three Rivers chief inspector Alex Warwick and Farzana Yousuf, the national secretary for outreach and community relations, Ahmadiyya Muslim Women's Association, were also among the guest speakers. They all addressed the theme of 'Choose to Challenge', speaking of their experiences as women in life and their careers, often citing examples of gender bias, inequality and sexism they have encountered.

Children's minister Vicky Ford MP was one of the guest speakers

Watford Borough Council deputy leader and portfolio holder Cllr Karen Collett was given a lifetime achievement award for her service to the community over many years.

In her citation for the award, she said: "Serving the community has always been paramount, and loving the town I live in is the reason I do what I do. Supporting residents and helping them to resolve their issues are key, as well as being a listening ear when they feel vulnerable or concerned. I have spent most of my life looking out for others and this is something I feel strongly about."

The first award was presented to Melanie Boda, the co-founder and managing director of Electric Umbrella, who was named Community Service Leader of the Year.

This unique charity challenges the perception of people with learning disabilities by empowering and enriching lives through music.

The Faith in Action Award was presented to Komal Mehta, who was described as "as serial doer and supporter of good works", which including campaigning to raise money for the Nascot Lawns children's respite centre.

Watford General Hospital's specialist prevention and control support worker Cheryl Atkins was named Health Leader of the Year, while Business Leader of the Year went to Helen O'Connell, the director of Flourish Craft Bakery.

Three Rivers chief inspector Alex Warwick during her speech

Naomi Bhundia, who set up a coronavirus support group focusing on Northwood, Oxhey, Pinner and Ruislip, was named Neighbourhood Leader of the Year, while Saffron Johnson was awarded the Wellness Leader of the Year prize.

The operations director for Watford Chamber of Commerce and Conscience is also an ambassador of the Watford Wellness Gateway, a platform through which businesses, organisations and people can gain advice, support and treatment to improve mental health.

Danielle Evans, coach development officer at the Hertfordshire Football Association, was chosen as Sport Leader of the Year, while Andrea Hayes, co-founder of Brick by Brick Communities, was named Charity Services Leader of the Year.

Her organisation provides services to charities and good causes, helping them to identify training, support, volunteers, and raise funds and

manage projects.

Ameira Yanni, who champions young people by writing articles about youth initiatives and is an ambassador for Watford Chamber of Conscience, was selected as Youth Leader of the Year, and store manager Yasmin Suleman accepted the Community Minded Business of the Year for Metro Bank Watford.

The Sustenance Leader of the Year went to Amarjit Kaur, while Hertfordshire County Council's head of specialist services, community protection, Gill Goodchild was named Public Office Leader of the Year.