From boardrooms to community spaces, women across Yorkshire are proving that when knowledge, mentorship and opportunity are shared, everyone moves forward. At the heart of this movement is a growing network of female leaders known as the BPA Lionesses.
Every year, International Women’s Day (IWD) offers a moment to celebrate progress. But it is also a reminder that meaningful change rarely happens alone.
Across Yorkshire, women are building powerful networks designed not just to celebrate success, but to share it. One of the most influential emerging networks is the #BPALionesses, created through the ‘Business Power Awards’ and the ‘BPA Empowering Women Awards’.
The two awards’ platforms, launched by Asian Express Newspaper in celebration of their 25th anniversary in 2025, brings together accomplished female leaders committed to mentorship, collaboration and community impact.
Nominations for the BPA Empowering Women Awards 2026 are open right now. To nominate please visit: https://businesspowerawards.co.uk/nominate-business-power-empowering-women/
The BPA Lionesses Winner’s Circle includes entrepreneurs, executives, public servants and community leaders who understand that leadership comes with responsibility. Their focus is simple: open doors for others. A perfect fit for IWD2026’s theme – “Give to Gain”.
What started as a celebration of women’s achievements has evolved into a powerful support network designed to connect experienced leaders with emerging voices across business, public life and community work.
Through initiatives such as “Coffee & Collaborations” the #BPALionesses are delivering peer-to-peer support, work-life balance and wellbeing sessions, and the upcoming Breaking Barriers leadership event. Their objective: creating safe spaces where women can exchange experience, guidance.
Editor’s Note – Andleeb Hanif
“International Women’s Day reminds us that progress has never been achieved in isolation. Success becomes meaningful when it is shared. Leadership becomes powerful when it lifts others. Across our region, and beyond, remarkable women are doing exactly that – mentoring, guiding and championing the next generation. The #BPALionesses came together with that spirit in mind. A circle of women who recognise that the real legacy of leadership is not titles or awards, but the impact we have on those who follow. Because when women support women, we don’t just create success stories. We create movements.”
