British politician, Diane Abbott, has been honoured with the “Woman of the Century” award by Women of Valour in collaboration with The Women’s Institute.
The recognition was presented on March 7, 2026, during the Women of Valour event held at the London Hilton on Park Lane under the theme “The Pursuit of Fearlessness.” The award was handed over by lawyer and founder of The Women’s Institute, Sandra Ankobiah.
Abbott was celebrated for her courage, resilience, and decades of public service, with organisers highlighting her unwavering voice in the pursuit of justice and equality. Her career has been marked by historic milestones that reshaped representation in British politics.
Born in North London in the 1950s to Jamaican immigrants of the Windrush generation, Abbott grew up in a household shaped by the realities of prejudice faced by many migrant families at the time. Her mother worked as a nurse while her father was a welder and factory worker.
Her academic journey saw her attend Harrow County School as its only Black pupil and later study at Cambridge University, where she was one of only three Black women at the institution.
Abbott entered politics with the aim of defending the civil liberties of marginalised communities. In 1987, she made history alongside fellow Black MPs Bernie Grant, Paul Boateng, and Keith Vaz.
Her career has since included several groundbreaking achievements, including becoming Britain’s first Black woman Member of Parliament, the first Black woman to sit on the UK front bench, the first Black woman Shadow Home Secretary, and the first Black woman to stand for the leadership of a major political party.
After decades of service as MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, Abbott now holds the honorary title of Mother of the House.
Organisers said the honour celebrates her fearless pursuit of equality and the path she has opened for future generations of women and minority leaders.
Women of Valour is the creation of multiple award-winning broadcast journalist, Nana Aba Anamoah. Launched as an annual event marking International Women’s Day, WoV celebrates women of courage whose stories inspire others to persevere and confront their fears.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
