London: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, an event was organised in West London by Foreign Office and Equality Minister Seema Malhotra MP, Ruth Cadbury MP to celebrate women’s empowerment, recognise their hard work, and honour their achievements.
The event brought together members of the community to acknowledge the contributions of women who have made a significant impact through their dedication, leadership, and service. During the ceremony, several outstanding women were presented with awards and recognitions for their efforts in supporting and uplifting others.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of Maria Saroya, Head of the Women’s Wing of the Labour Asian Society, who received the Woman of the Year Award 2026 for her exceptional work and commitment to community service. She was honoured for her continuous efforts in supporting women, promoting empowerment, and advocating for female voices within the community and in the media.
Speaking after receiving the award, Maria Saroya said:
“It is a great achievement and I feel truly happy and honoured to receive this recognition. This award is not just for me, it belongs to every single woman who has been supporting and working together for women’s empowerment, both in the UK and internationally. I dedicate this award to all of them.”
Addressing the audience, Seema Malhotra MP and Ruth Cadbury MP also praised the importance of empowering women and supporting them at every stage of life. They highlighted the need to continue encouraging women, including mothers, daughters, students, and young professionals, from school to college and from university into their careers.
They also spoke about the growing representation of women in Parliament, noting that hundreds of female MPs are now representing communities across the UK, which reflects a major step forward in women’s empowerment. They emphasised that this progress has been made possible through the Labour Party’s commitment to supporting women and providing opportunities for them to take leadership roles.
The evening concluded with celebrations of women’s achievements, with Maria Saroya and several other deserving women receiving awards, making it a memorable occasion dedicated to recognising and inspiring women across the community.
