Shulamite Ezechi, a Nigerian-born women’s empowerment advocate, author, and founder of ANYiSO Charity Organisation, has won the Social Leader of the Year award at the Scottish Women’s Awards. This recognition celebrates women’s achievements across Scotland, and Ezechi is the only African person among this year’s award recipients. Her achievement carries a powerful message of representation, perseverance, and possibility, shining a light on the contribution of African and migrant women to Scotland’s communities.
Ezechi’s success 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. The charity provides various services, including a voucher-free food bank, English-language classes, digital skills training, and health and wellbeing programmes. ANYiSO’s work addresses immediate needs while helping people develop skills, strengthen relationships, and participate in community life.
The Social Leader of the Year title highlights leadership whose impact reaches beyond personal achievement to benefit the wider community. Ezechi’s work through ANYiSO embodies the values of social leadership, using influence, initiative, and compassion to improve people’s lives. Her achievement demonstrates how a vision rooted in belonging can grow into work that makes a meaningful difference to individuals and families.
ANYiSO means “We Belong” in Igbo, reflecting its commitment to ensuring people feel supported, valued, and included. The charity helps people facing hardship build confidence and move towards greater independence. 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.
Recognition across Scotland places Ezechi’s work on a national stage, highlighting the importance of grassroots leadership. Her achievement offers a visible example of what is possible for African women and women from migrant backgrounds. It encourages those building organisations, supporting families, mentoring children and young people, and serving their communities to recognise the value of their work.
Ezechi’s success 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.
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.
Key points
- Shulamite Ezechi is the only African person among this year’s Scottish Women’s Awards recipients.
- ANYiSO Charity Organisation celebrated its tenth anniversary shortly before Ezechi’s award.
- Ezechi’s achievement highlights the importance of grassroots leadership and the contribution of African and migrant women to Scotland’s communities.
