Shulamite Ezechi, a women’s empowerment advocate, author and founder of ANYiSO Charity Organisation, has won Social Leader of the Year at the Scottish Women’s Awards, earning recognition in a celebration of women’s achievements across Scotland.

As the only African person among this year’s award recipients, Nigerian-born Ezechi’s success carries a powerful message of representation, perseverance and possibility. Her achievement shines a light on the contribution of African and migrant women to Scotland’s communities and offers encouragement to women pursuing their own ambitions.

The award comes shortly after ANYiSO celebrated its tenth anniversary, marking a decade of supporting communities, empowering women and creating opportunities for children, young people and families. Together, these milestones celebrate both Ezechi’s leadership and the collective commitment behind the charity’s work.

Social leadership is about using influence, initiative and compassion to improve people’s lives. It involves responding to community needs, bringing people together, challenging barriers and creating opportunities for others. The Social Leader of the Year title highlights leadership whose impact reaches beyond personal achievement to benefit the wider community.

These values are central to Ezechi’s work through ANYiSO, a registered charity supporting women, children, young people and families, including ethnic-minority communities, refugees and asylum seekers.

ANYiSO means “We Belong” in Igbo, a message reflected in its commitment to ensuring that people feel supported, valued and included. Through practical assistance and opportunities for learning and connection, the charity helps people facing hardship build confidence and move towards greater independence.

Its services include a voucher-free food bank, English-language classes, digital skills training, Drop in sessions, employability support and health and wellbeing programmes etc. For children and young people, ANYiSO provides music, creative and learning activities that encourage self-expression, build confidence and create opportunities to connect with others.

Award winners at the Scottish Women’s Awards.

Shulamite Ezechi, the CEO of ANYiSO, was the only Black woman to bag an award at the Scottish Women’s Awards.

Together, these services address immediate needs while helping people of different ages develop skills, strengthen relationships and participate in community life.

Recognition across Scotland places Ezechi’s work on a national stage and highlights the importance of grassroots leadership. It demonstrates how a vision rooted in belonging can grow into work that makes a meaningful difference to individuals and families.

For African women and women from migrant backgrounds, her achievement offers a visible example of what is possible. It encourages those building organisations, supporting families, mentoring children and young people, and serving their communities to recognise the value of their work and continue pursuing opportunities.

Ezechi’s success also reflects the collective contribution of ANYiSO’s trustees, staff, volunteers, funders, partners and supporters, alongside the communities whose trust and participation give the charity its purpose.

The award provides an opportunity to celebrate the many women creating positive change, including those whose contributions receive little public recognition. Their commitment matters, and their leadership deserves to be seen.

As ANYiSO moves into its next decade, Ezechi remains committed to empowering women, supporting children and young people, and helping families overcome disadvantage.

Her achievement sends an encouraging message: your background does not define the limits of your ambition. Your voice has value, your work matters, and the difference you make can reach further than you can imagine. (The Guardian)

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