Feminine care brand Veeda sponsored The Australian’s Women’s Weekly 8th Women of the Future (WoTF) awards held on December 3, with Anna Robertson, founder of socially responsible fashion brand YEVU Clothing, taking out the top honour.
Nicole Byers and Anna Robertson
Robertson, 34, from Stanmore in New South Wales, received the main award for YEVU Clothing which uses African made fabrics – providing employment opportunities for Ghanaian women.
Sally Obermeder, Natasha Belling, Amanda Keller
A number of high-profile guests, including Turia Pitt, Home & Away actresses Penny MacNamee and Sarah Roberts, Ita Buttrose AO OBE, fashion designer Carla Zampatti, media personalities Sarah Harris, Kylie Gillies, WSFM and Channel 10 personality Amanda Keller, Melissa Doyle, Angela Bishop, Jessica Rowe and businesswoman Christine Holgate attended the event held at the Yallamundi Rooms, Sydney Opera House.
Women aged 18-34 were celebrated for their exceptional innovation, creativity and business nous in tackling social and economic issues in Australia and across the globe.
Ita Buttrose
The Australian Women’s Weekly editor-in-chief Nicole Byers added: “Each year we are blown away by the number of bright and bold women our campaign draws out and this year is no exception. Despite the challenges faced by Australians this year, our 2020 finalists have shown exceptional strength, innovation and resilience. It was important to celebrate these special women – even more so as we close out one of the toughest years.”
As the 2020 The Australian Women’s Weekly Veeda Women of the Future winner, Robertson will receive $20,000 to help grow her business, as well as advertising opportunities across The Australian Women’s Weekly and marie claire magazine to raise awareness of YEVU.
Sarah Harris
Judging the WoTF awards was a panel of some of Australia’s most well-known media personalities and international female influencers including Brooke Boney, ANU Chancellor Julie Bishop, Nicole Byers, Hilary Duff (chief brand officer for Veeda), Genevieve Clay-Smith, Amanda Keller and Ita Buttrose.
Duff also addressed the guests via a recorded video, sharing what particularly resonated with her about the finalists and their projects, and personally congratulating the winner.
Melissa Doyle and Talia Doyle
The Christmas issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly, featuring the Veeda Women of the Future Awards winner, is on sale today.