A Wirral magistrate who set up a charity supporting victims of insurgency in Northern Nigeria has been named Cheshire Woman Of The Year.
Ije McDougall was confirmed as the winner during an awards lunch at Chester Racecourse.
Ije, who lives in Prenton, set up a charity called The Kairos Initiative to support victims of insurgency in Northern Nigeria, where she is originally from.
She was described as someone who "has first-hand knowledge of the activities and consequences of extremism and has shown compassion and determination to help others".
On her recognition, Ije who is also an HR/employment law expert and an author, said: "Who would think that a girl from Bauchi state Nigeria would be named Cheshire Woman of the Year?
"I'm humbled, I'm honoured and I'm grateful for such a prestigious recognition.
"A huge part of my growth has been to come to terms with my story.
"I'm a statistic. There are many odds stacked against me. Many reasons to be quiet in the corner.
"I'm a woman, a black woman, a black woman from Africa, a single mum. Now, I get to say that I'm a black African single mum who is also Cheshire Woman of the Year 2023.
“Thank you so much for honouring me like this. I'm extremely grateful.”
Cheshire Woman Of The Year awards – now in its 35th year - celebrates professional achievement, community service and personal courage of women across Cheshire and Wirral. More than 2,000 women have been honoured in the awards’ history.
The awards lunch event has raised almost £300,000 for children’s charities through sponsorship over the last 35 years.
This year all funds will go directly to the NSPCC to support children and families in Cheshire and Wirral.
Baroness Helen Newlove, who won the award in 2009, was guest speaker at the lunch.
Sylvia Cheater MBE, chair of the Cheshire Woman Award Society, said: "Through her charity, Ije has offered apprenticeships to young people, helping them gain valuable skills and experience.
"She has equipped them to start their own businesses and given them the opportunity to make a real difference.
"Ije has provided clean drinking water to over 10,000 people, renovated a maternity ward, fed an orphanage and clothed street children.
"She has also connected children in need with families in the UK who have provided them with Christmas presents.
"These are just a few examples of the work she has done.
"Having beaten the odds herself, Ije is well versed in the challenges that face people of minority in the UK. As a result, she speaks on some of the issues faced by minority groups in the UK."
Organisers of the Cheshire Woman Award are currently looking for sponsors for next year’s event.
To find out more, including how to nominate someone for the 2024 award, click here or email info@cheshirewomanaward.org.uk
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