Date: Saturday 18th March 2017

Venue: The KIA Oval – (Surrey County Cricket Club),

London SE11 5SS

Divas of Colour – Award Ceremony (8pm)

Showcase & Exhibition (12-5pm), Fashion Show (2pm), Conference (5pm)

The remarkable Divas of Colour International Women’s Forum is back – bigger and better than ever before, and at a celebrated new home – London’s prestigious KIA Oval in London. Join us for a dazzling, global mix of fascinating discussion, an international fashion showcase and the highlight of the event – the celebrated International Divas of Colour Awards.

This is now the largest gathering of the world’s most powerful and inspirational women of diverse background and ethnicity.

Every Spring, the Divas of Colour Awards Forum brings together women of all professions and walks of life… from every corner of the world including dignitaries, ambassadors, celebrities and women of substance. Interest continues to grow year-on-year – and this year, over one thousand guests are expected to attend.

Founder Faustina Anyanwu has nurtured the unique Divas of Colour Awards Forum and overseen its growth over the last four years into a global event respected and attended by delegates from across the world. Faustina says:

“I’m thrilled to welcome women of all ages and experience once again to the largest gathering of the world’s most influential women of colour. 2017 sees our event elevated to the next level as we embrace guests from all walks of life – world leaders, opinion formers and high achievers – to London’s historic KIA Oval, under the premium sponsorship of WorldRemit.

“Our focus this year will be on the empowerment of women through the very best physical and mental health, world-class fashion and the shared interest of overall wellness and positive self-esteem. In this, our fourth year, we are looking forward to reaching out to an audience of around two million women across social and traditional media.

“We will welcome celebrities, social media influencers, bloggers, leading women of African, Caribbean and Asian descent, as well as leading media houses. Women’s contributions both to the economy globally and their social impact cannot be overemphasised.

“Divas of Colour 2017 is a fantastic opportunity to join together and celebrate inspirational women of colour – it’s a unique platform to celebrate their contributions and achievements and is held in commemoration of International Women’s Day.”

The Fashion Show

The Divas of Colour 2017 Fashion Show is a major element of the Forum and will showcase women, through fashion, as powerful, focused, determined, thriving, stylish, modern – and in control. From office power dressing to red carpet classics or cultural prints – the idea is to present women in their most perfect form as leaders – or at least successful – in their fields.

The fashion designers at this year’s showcase combine both emerging and established brands across ready-to-wear, accessories and footwear. Firmly established as an authority in the fashion industry, the Divas of Colour fashion show will attract an audience of UK and international buyers and press – and all participating designers will automatically be entered in the Diva Designer Award category at the Awards ceremony.

The Conference: ‘Slay in Health’ – 5pm

The Conference element of Divas of Colour 2017 will focus on women’s empowerment through optimum health and wellness, both physically and mentally. In particular, the organisers will be raising awareness of gynaecological cancers, in loving memory of one of the event’s biggest supporters and an original partner, Dr Nkem Ezeilo, who passed away recently from breast cancer.

The main aim this year is to empower as many women as possible to take control of their own health, learn the salient issues on rarely talked about topics and how best to cope with them – and, most importantly, when to know it’s time to seek help from relevant people and organisations.

The Conference speakers are all passionate about their subjects and empowering women, including educating and raising awareness on gynaecological cancers with the gathering’s chosen charity, Cysters – which advocates on the issues of gynaecological well being and women’s health in general… as well as mental health, self esteem and domestic violence.

The Divas of Colour Awards Ceremony – 8pm

The Divas of Colour Awards are open to women of all backgrounds and achievements, and aim to uplift and uphold a hugely positive image of women around the world. Nominations are currently being accepted from across the globe – with the only criteria being that each nominee must have made a significant contribution within a particular sector to improve the lives of women. ANYONE CAN NOMINATE! Go to www.divasofcolour.com for full details.

Previous Divas of Colour Award Winners include Bianca Miller, Funke Abimbola, Polly Harrar, Rani Bilkhu, Caroline Bell Foster and Leah Charles-King.

Last year showcased a dazzling array of leading women of colour – with Diane Abbott MP named Lifetime Achiever, and the list of Women of Honour bringing together Patti Boulaye OBE, Mayor Patricia Ekechi, Mandy Sanghera and Professor F N Obasi.

Global Leadership Awards were presented to Stephanie Busari, Debbie Ariyo (OBE) and Pauline Long, while Diva Ambassador Awards went to the inspirational Akua Gyamfi, Nurse Chioma Okeke and Grace Alexander. For the full list please visit www.mbwpr.com/divas-of-colour-2016-award-finalists/ .

Award Categories open for 2017 are as follows:

Lifetime Achiever (must be aged 60 and above)

Women of Honour – Highly reputable women leaders who have made long term contributions to community, family, career or in the public sector.

Inspirational Diva – Women doing charitable or not-for-profit work which empowers women and girls

International Diva – Women whose international engagements with global organisations takes them around the world .

Entrepreneur Diva – Women how have succeeded in their own business

Diva Author – Women who have had their work published within the last 12 months (evidence required)

Diva Artiste – Singers, performers and entertainers

Diva Presenter – TV or radio presenters

Diva Make-up Artist – Professional make-up artists

Young Achiever – Women aged between 18 and 20 who have achieved in business, academics, community service, charitable giving or volunteer work

Diva Influencer – Opinion drivers, movers and people who are challenging the status quo, and influencing change in careers, public and social media, community, politics etc, particularly those whose voices stand out against the crowd

Diva Brand and Fashion Designer – Nominations from exhibiting and showcasing brands and designers

Registration – Divas of Colour 2017

Registrations for designers and exhibitors are also now being accepted on the website – www.divasofcolour.com