Here at GLAMOUR, it's been a privilege to report on all the game-changing women fighting for a better world, from the Lionesses' historic run at the FIFA Women's World Cup to Georgia Harrison's tenacious campaign to change the law on consent.
While we still have a long way to go, GLAMOUR's Women of the Year awards, in partnership with Samsung, exist to celebrate how far we've come. At the event's 17th anniversary, we were delighted to celebrate a glittering line-up of incredible women – including Fats Timbo, Lily Allen, America Ferrera, Ariana DeBose, and Halle Bailey – who are all flipping the script for women across their industries.
Taking place at One Marylebone, GLAMOUR's Women of the Year Awards host Katherine Ryan kicked off the celebrations by taking aim at the patriarchy, and reader, she did not miss. She stood up for transgender women's rights, called out misogyny in the police, and, of course, shouted out Beyoncé and Taylor Swift.
Next up, GLAMOUR's European Editorial Director, Deborah Joseph, shared an inspiring speech celebrating the change-makers in the room, saying, “We’re here to celebrate. Women. Your accomplishments, sisterhood, and so much more…”
Here's our round-up of the most empowering moments from GLAMOUR's Women of the Year awards in partnership with Samsung 2023:
1. Katherine Ryan's opening speech
You can always rely on Katherine Ryan to deliver an important message – and plenty of laughs. In her opening speech at GLAMOUR's Women of the Year Awards, she called out the UK government's stigmatization of transgender people, saying, “Just this month, health secretary Steve Barclay (a male secretary? Cute!) announced a consultation that could see transgender people banned from same-sex hospital wards even though it has subsequently been revealed that no cisgender woman has ever made a formal NHS complaint about sharing a ward with a trans woman…”
She continued, “Probably because everyone’s being treated in the fucking corridor! What ward? What ZERO beds won’t you be giving them, Rishi Sunak? People are giving birth on the FLOOR. By the way, no one’s ‘pretending to be a woman’ at the doctor for the privilege of having all your symptoms ignored and instead be patronised with ‘Have you tried going for a walk?’”
Are you listening, Rishi?
2. Deborah Joseph's speech about gender equality
As European Editorial Director, Deborah Joseph has always put empowerment at the heart of GLAMOUR's mission. In her opening speech, she reflected on how perceptions of gender equality have changed through the generations, saying, “I know, for a fact, my young daughter’s generation won’t put up with the shit that my generation has had to deal with. And, if they do, you’ll hear about it. Loud and clear, along with a TikTok move.”
"I’m going to leave you with this thought – from previous years, businesses and charitable endeavours have been started from conversations between women in this room. So turn to those sitting at your table - male allies included – and start a conversation. Who knows what incredible things you will have achieved by this time next year."
We love ya, DJ.
3. Lily Allen's powerful message about self-worth
Lily Allen was presented with GLAMOUR's Theatre Actor of the Year award by Emilia Jones, who described her as “never being afraid to speak her mind and for always being refreshingly honest.”
After accepting her award, Lily said, “I’ve received several awards over the course of my career as a singer and songwriter, and in the past, I never felt like I deserved them. I don’t know why.”
She highlighted the harmful influence that the tabloids and social media had on her mental health, saying, “They can really get to a person.” She continued, “In my mind, awards were for being the best at something, and I didn’t feel like the best at anything,” before reflecting on her previous appearance at GLAMOUR's Women of the Year Awards in 2009:
"I believe I was carried out of this very ceremony in 2009, passed over some railings and put into the back of a car like a baby. All well documented, of course. Thank you, internet…
"I am so glad those days, and that kind of drama, are behind me. I’m happy to be trying new things and learning new skills […] Thank you, GLAMOUR, for seeing me, seeing my journey, thank you for inviting me back after I put on such an embarrassing display last time.
“It is truly an honour to be able to spend this evening with such strong, kind and clever women.”
"I am following my heart and won't let any naysayers stop me.”
4. Halle Bailey's heartfelt message to her sister Chloe Bailey
Halle Bailey walked the red carpet alongside her longtime partner, DDG, before accepting the award for Gen Z Gamechanger. In her acceptance speech, she said, “I’ve never claimed to be the voice of my generation, so I can only accept this award through the lens in which I see the world and appreciate all the beautiful female souls that paved the way to allow me to be here today to accept it.”
She also spoke about adjusting to the limelight as a young woman before offering the following advice: “Live your life for you. Don’t waste time living it for social media, you know. Everyone has an opinion, but the only opinion that matters is your own. And you already know deep down what's right for you.
She then made a moving tribute to her sister, Chloe: “For me, I’ve always had my big sister Chloe and looking backward and connecting the important tentpole moments that shaped me, my older sister Chloe was always there as my angel of guidance.”
5. Georgia Harrison's powerful speech
Georgia Harrison is GLAMOUR's Activist of the Year after she lobbied the government to change the laws around consent. Her campaign was born of personal trauma after an intimate video of her was shared without her consent or knowledge.
In her acceptance speech, she said, "For those of you that aren’t aware of my story, I was a victim of image-based sexual abuse and voyeurism which resulted in over 10 million people viewing sexually explicit content of me without my permission. After seeking help from the authorities and waving my anonymity, I went on to successfully convict my perpetrator and eventually use my experience to make an amendment to the Image-based sexual abuse law, meaning future victims will find it far easier to also have a successful court case.
She added, "I cannot describe the amount of support and solidarity I have found through other women along my journey and hearing their personal stories really highlighted to me just how much needs to be done to help protect women and girls across the UK.
“I do not want to see another generation of women feeling abused, violated and ashamed. I want them to feel empowered and loved. I want them to fearlessly speak their truth and I want them to live in a world where no means no and consent is taken seriously by all other human beings.”
“I do not want to see another generation of women feeling abused, violated and ashamed”.
6. Hannah Waddingham's incredible speech
Hannah Waddingham, the winner of GLAMOUR's Entertainer of the Year award, shouted out Meryl Streep, saying, "We have grown up learning to speak the language of men. But now the time has come for them to learn the language of women. It's very simple, and we have to choose to hold each other up. And if being entertainer of the year, brings me up here to speech you, then I am so privileged and humbled to receive this award because for me, entertaining the problems of your friends and entertaining the problems in the world are all part and parcel of that world.
"We have to choose to have each other's backs […] What's happening around the world appals me to my core and it would be remiss of me to not give my energy to that tonight.
"If any of us can give whatever we can – however small – to the women in the world who are fighting to keep their children, keep their men, keep their partners close. Then, if you could do that one thing tonight, if you could just do it before you go to bed, anything, then I would be grateful.
“I'm very grateful for this GLAMOUR, but I feel like we need to pull together for a larger cause.”
7. Olivia Dean being… Olivia Dean
In her acceptance speech for Samsung's Rising Star of the Year award, Olivia Dean (ICON alert!) notes, "As a songwriter, it is my job to reflect on how I feel and to help you process how you feel… to try and help you get through that breakup or help you get ready for a night out. To document how it feels to be a woman moving through the world today – and I'm still learning how to do that.
“We live in a world where it's far too easy to compare ourselves... Comparison is the thief of joy.”
She discussed how, as a teenager, she'd frantically straighten and damage her hair in order to fit in. But now? “My hair is my superpower, and it gives me strength.”
Her advice for anyone who may be watching at home? “Practice the art of saying no. Cherish and nurture your female friendships. You are a whole person, and you don't need somebody else to complete you.”
'15 year-old me was frantically straightening and damaging her hair every morning in an attempt to look like all the other girls.'
8. Ariana DeBose's gamechanging speech
GLAMOUR's winner of Gamechanging Performer lit up the room with her empowering speech. Addressing the concept of being a “game-changer”, she said, "In the midst of such sad and, frankly, depressing times, it is heartening to see people come together from different walks of life, to show up for each other. Humanity will never be devoid of nuance, for that is the essence of life.
“Every situation, every person, nuanced- as they should be. I think it’s game-changing to wield our power wisely. Instead of grandstanding, hurling insults or assigning blame, why not use our platforms- our voices- to foster understanding or find a solution.”
Closing her speech, she said, “Seeing us unite for humanity, in the face of adversity, racism, homophobia, transphobia, capitalism, etc etc…. Now THAT. That would be game-changing.”
9. Fats Timbo message about diversity
“I've never won an award before,” Fats starts as she accepts the award for Tinder Creator of the Year. “I proudly identify as a Black woman with dwarfism,” she continues.
“Together, we can create a society that values and uplifts the voices of women with dwarfism, where every individual is seen and heard. There is still much work to be done. Diversity must be normalized in every corner of our society. I pledge to continue this vital work until the day true equality is achieved. Thank you once again for this incredible recognition, and let us march forward hand in hand towards a future where inclusivity reigns supreme.”
We have a feeling this is the first of many awards coming Fats' way.
10. Leigh-Ann Pinnock shouted out Little Mix (and Dawn Butler)
Where do we even begin? Leigh-Anne Pinnock has carved an incredible solo career for herself since Little Mix announced their hiatus. And she shouted out her former bandmates, saying, “Jade and Perrie, thank you for being two of the most incredible women to work, laugh and grow with.”
In an emotional speech, she also discussed how she had been overlooked as a Black woman in the industry, saying, "I know many women out there can relate to this feeling of being dismissed based on their race or background. It's been a challenging road, no doubt, but I have been so fortunate to have incredible women by my side who have taught me how to rise above. My mother is a shining example of resilience and hard work. My sisters have been pillars of strength for me […] If this journey has taught me anything, it is that every struggle serves a purpose, shaping me into the woman I am today. I am a mother, a wife and a musician.
She continued: “I'll never forget the words Dawn Butler said to me when we met: ‘When the history books are written, what will be next to your name?’ Those words have always stayed with me, serving as a constant reminder of the impact I can have. Those words are the foundation of what I set out to achieve in everything I do.”
We love you, Leigh-Ann.
11. The Lionesses' calling for equality in football
Closing a series of incredible speeches, Jess Carter, Bethany England, Chloe Kelly, and Alessia Russo from the Lionesses took to the floor to accept the Sports Icon of the Year award. Jess Carter said, "In the male-dominated football industry – and sport as a whole – we've discovered it's far more than just a game; it's a platform for change.
“Our journey has been filled with obstacles, from not everyone having equal opportunity to take part in P.E. at schools to wearing white shorts during our menstrual cycles, which have both been changed earlier this year.”
Former GLAMOUR cover star Chloe Kelly spoke to GLAMOUR on the red carpet, saying, "I think Alex Scott is definitely a woman that I admire. She’s done great things within sports and now to be able to do that in a different industry, she’s doing incredible things and she’s definitely a woman that I look up to
“I think for me being ourselves. Now we’ve set something that says we deserve to be here, and we’re women, and we’ve empowered so many people, and I think we’ve broke down so many barriers. It’s incredible.”
12. Munroe Bergdorf clapping back against misogyny
We asked all-around wonder woman Munroe Bergdorf about how she claps back against sexism and misogyny. She said, "The most frustrating thing about misogyny is that it stops you from doing what you want to do and stops you from being who the person you want to be.
“Throughout my life, misogyny clouded my vision of who I wanted to be. The biggest clapback is ignoring it, being happy, being successful and being you.”
A-men.
13. Charli Howard getting real about mental health
On the red carpet, Charli Howard said, "I’m in therapy, I do therapy once a week, maybe every two weeks, and that’s changed my life. I've been doing that, and i feel so much better I really recommend anyone does therapy if you can afford it.
“Advice to younger self: Block out the haters. You don’t want any negative people in your life. It just wears you down. Mental health is so important, and I’m such an advocate of looking after your mind; you’ve only got one body, and you have to look after it.”
14. Charlie Craggs being an icon (as per)
Charlie Craggs hit the red carpet wearing an oversized white t-shirt which read, ‘Transphobia Will Never Be Glamour’. And YEP.
15. Mae Muller on what inspires her
After rocking our worlds at Eurovision earlier this year, Mae Muller took to the GLAMOUR red carpet and reflected on what makes her feel most empowered. “When I’m performing songs that I’ve written in quite a dark time, when I’m hurt and in pain, and seeing that negative energy turn into something amazing – seeing a room of women singing those songs back at me is such a beautiful feeling.”
16. Logan Brown on transgender people's rights
Former GLAMOUR cover star Logan Brown attended the event with his partner Bailey Mills, wearing a gorgeous blazer which read “Trans Lives Matter” on the sleeves. We stan. Now and forever.
17. America Ferrera's plea to fight for all women worldwide
America Ferrera, GLAMOUR's global honouree and winner of the Impact Award, spoke for us all when she said, "As we sit here tonight celebrating in this beautiful celebration, our sisters and their families in Gaza and Israel are living through horror. The brutality of terror and war is unfolding before our eyes.
“The one thing we know about war? It never benefits women. I'm here to cry out on behalf of our sisters. In this moment, we can stand together and call for an end to all violence. We can demand that hostages be released and safely returned to their families. We must demand that our world leaders deliver a ceasefire and an immediate humanitarian response. We must stop the killing. We must save our sisters. We must let the children live in peace. May we all find the courage and learn to use our voices.”
For more from Glamour UK's Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.
We honoured the gamechangers and feminist heroes who inspire us every damn day.
