Nominations open for Black Country Inspirational Woman of the Year - helping fund 10 new domestic abuse refuges

Black Country Women’s Aid (BCWA), the West Bromwich-based charity, is staging its fourth International Women’s Day (IWD) event at the Hawthorns stadium, home of West Bromwich Albion FC, on Saturday March 7, eve of International Women’s Day 2026. 

Proceeds from the event, sponsored by West Midlands IT consultancy services provider Hubtel IT, will go to BCWA’s ‘Key to a New Life’ campaign, raising funds to create 10 new safe houses for women and girls fleeing domestic violence. A purpose-built block of flats is set to be completed this summer. 

The highlight of the March IWD event will be the Inspirational Woman of the Year Award, also sponsored by Hubtel IT. 

Nominations can be made on the Hubtel IT website until midnight on February 6. 

Hubtel IT will join the BCWA’s judging panel to decide the winner, announced on March 7. 

The 2025 Woman of the Year was Jo Downing, a specialist lymphoedema nurse, described as “heaven’s angel” by one of her patients, who said: “[Jo] genuinely cares. My life would not have changed without this lady.” 

Fundraising for BCWA’s much-needed new safe houses has come from activities including a skydive last year by Neil Bayliss, CEO of Birmingham-based Hubtel IT, and colleagues. 

“At Hubtel we are incredibly proud of our longstanding partnership with Black Country Women’s Aid, whose vital support for women and girls relies on funding from organisations like ours,” said Neil. 

“BCWA’s International Women’s Day event on March 7, including the Inspirational Woman of the Year Award, promises to be a wonderful moment celebrating women and girls with all proceeds helping deliver 10 new safe houses, which, sadly, are more needed than ever by victim-survivors of domestic abuse.” 

He added: “If you know a woman in your workplace or in your social group who has challenged societal norms and biases, or just done something brilliant, please nominate them for this year’s Inspirational Woman of the Year Award.” 

The venue for the March 7 event is also relevant to Hubtel IT, which is a patron of the Albion Foundation, West Brom FC ‘s official charity that helps thousands of people in the local community every year. 

BCWA’s Key to a New Life campaign was launched after the charity said it was forced to turn away more than two thirds of requests for refuge in 2024, although those people were offered other support. 

Sara Ward, CEO of Black Country Women’s Aid, said: “We are very proud of the progress we are making with our construction project. Accommodation is hard to find at the best of times, but when you are fleeing violence and abuse and you need a safe haven at short notice, it is even more difficult. By providing more safe spaces, we can help victim-survivors to stabilise, recover and start again. 

“But we can’t do this without the support of our community, and incredible partners like Hubtel IT. By sponsoring our International Women’s Day event, Hubtel is demonstrating such a strong commitment to supporting our work and to helping people in need to live new, safer lives.” 

With the 10 safe houses, including an accessible one for people with disabilities, now nearing completion, BCWA is now fundraising for furniture, white goods and other essentials to turn the flats into welcoming homes. 

BCWA has previously built or converted eight new flats as safe spaces for victims of domestic abuse and modern slavery.