Bijou sponsors Women of the Year Awards 2025

London, October 2025: More than 400 inspiring women gathered at the Royal Lancaster Hotel this week for the 2025 Women of the Year Lunch & Awards, marking 70 years of celebrating resilience, courage and remarkable women driving change around the world.  

Founded in 1955 by Lady ‘Tony’ Lothian OBE during a defining moment in British history, the event was created to shine a light on women whose achievements too often went unrecognised. Seven decades on, that mission feels just as powerful. The room was filled with inspiring stories from changemakers, campaigners and trailblazing leaders from all walks of life – all united with a shared drive to challenge convention and make the world a better place. 

As the exclusive wine sponsor, Bijou proudly poured its signature Le Bijou de Sophie Valrose range. The collection aptly honours a 19th-century female vineyard worker in Southern France who fought for fair treatment and equality for her peers – a fitting tribute for an event dedicated to women breaking barriers and forging change. 

This year, President Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE DL and Chair Vix Brenninkmeijer welcomed guests to the milestone event, where stories of courage, compassion and inspiration were shared – each one toasted with a glass of Bijou. 

Spotlight on the 2025 Winners 

This year, seven incredibly worthy winners were honoured with the coveted Women of the Year Awards trophy and a magnum of Le Bijou de Sophie Valrose Rosé.  

Pioneering Woman of the Year: Jaz Rabadia MBE – A leader in sustainability and champion for women in STEM, Jaz Rabadia has helped shape national energy policy while mentoring the next generation of engineers and scientists. 

Game Changer Award: Jane Byam Shaw OBE – As Trustee of The Felix Project, Jane Byam Shaw helps tackle food waste and ensure thousands of Londoners in need receive nutritious meals – a true example of compassion in action. 

Campaigner for Health Equity Award: Dr Rageshri Dhairyawan – An NHS consultant in sexual health and HIV medicine, Dr Dhairyawan has devoted her career to amplifying marginalised voices and challenging stigma in healthcare. 

“It was such an honour to be part of an event that celebrates women pushing boundaries in every field,” says Emily Phillips, Head of Brand at Bijou. “The energy in the room was incredible – full of smart, determined women showing just how much we can achieve when we support one another.” 

Bijou’s commitment to female empowerment extends beyond the awards stage. Earlier in 2025, the brand sponsored five women from diverse backgrounds to attend the Women in Wine Expo in Porto, helping them build new connections and opportunities. Bijou also continues to work with Master of Wine Elizabeth Gabay on projects like Pink Drink and Sustainability in Rosé, highlighting innovation and inclusion in the wine world.  

In sponsoring the Women of the Year Awards 2025, Bijou honours the shared belief that progress is paved by those who care, with a mission to push equality both in and outside of the wine industry. 

Women of the Year 2025 The Lionesses (England Women’s National Football Team) 

Game Changer Award: Jane Byam Shaw OBE (Trustee for The Felix Project)  

Woman in Education Award: Louisa Mitchell MBE (CEO of AllChild) 

Campaigner for Health Equity Award: Dr Rageshri Dhairyawan (NHS Consultant in Sexual Health & HIV Medicine) 

Women in Sports Innovation Award: Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE (Former England cricketer and Director of Women’s Cricket at Surrey) 

Pioneering Woman of the Year: Jaz Rabadia MBE (Sustainability Leader & Advocate for Women in STEM) 

Trailblazer Award: Sarah Harrison, presented by Lorraine Kelly CBE