The recently-established South Asian Foundation of Australia is set to host its first major event: the South Asian Women Business Awards Australia.
Set to take place in Sydney on Saturday, June 7, the awards ceremony will honour the achievements and contributions of South Asian women behind South Asian-owned and operated businesses in Australia “who are shaping industries and making a difference in our communities”.
Women will be recognised across 15 categories, with an independent panel of judges determining the finalists and winners.
The black-tie event is primarily the brainchild of Vithyaa Thavapalan, founder of Brown Boss Babes (BBB) – an organisation that has connected and celebrated South Asian women through professional and social events for almost seven years. The event’s attendee list already boasts industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. But Vithyaa encourages everyone in the community to secure a ticket, as it’s a significant opportunity to embrace a safe space where people can connect with one another from the diaspora.
We sat down with Vithyaa to hear more about her vision behind the awards, and the impact she hopes it creates.
Vithyaa, thanks so much for speaking to Draw Your Box. How did the idea for the South Asian Women Business Awards Australia come about.
Thanks for having me! A lot of women still have imposter syndrome, and it is huge in this community. Creating the awards intends to give women confidence to put themselves up [for an award nomination] in a safe space. Over the years, I’ve seen many businesses within the Brown Boss Babes (BBB) community grow and flourish. I am so proud to see it, and this is a way of truly recognising these women.
I also realised that these awards will help highlight the ongoing change and resistance against the cultural and gender norms that impact South Asian women – even to this day. These awards are the first-of-its kind recognising just South Asian women in business across major industries.
What do you hope the awards night achieves?
With Brown Boss Babes, I created a table. With the new foundation South Asian Foundation of Australia, I am building a house, and the awards are our launch to the world.
The awards night is a sign of unity amongst the South Asian diaspora in Australia despite past and ongoing conflicts in our ancestral homes. It is also a declaration to the world that the cultural and gender norms that once confined women no longer define or stop us. It signals that as women, we are strong and capable of anything.
I hope this inspires the next generation to follow their dreams, rather than chasing their parents’ dreams for them. It should tell the next generation you can be successful as a business owner.
Why should people attend the awards?
People should attend to be a part of this global history-making event. It is a first-of-its-kind business awards that is amplifying only South Asian Women with a red carpet and a black-tie dress code. So, for starters, the fashion is going to be something to watch. For many of us, red carpet events are only reserved for celebrities, so this is that chance.
Those that attend can say they were in the room with so many different walks of life that were brought in by a common purpose – to celebrate South Asian women.
The power of unity is something I hope to see as each person walks through the doors on the night.
We have political figures, community leaders, changemakers, advocates and entrepreneurs in the room. We also have proud parents, partners and friends coming to support the finalists.
The South Asian Women Business Awards Australia will be held on Saturday, June 7 at The Highline Venue in Bankstown. Tickets are available to purchase until 11:59pm on Saturday, May 31. More information and ticket details are available here.
Check out the full list of finalists in each category below:
Beauty
Antham by Shivali
Lajeen Artistry
Make Up by Shiv
One Stop Beauty
Education & Training
Get Fit Janani
Ms G School
Tags Personal Styling
Fashion
Gather & Stitch
Nadhi
Rang
Food
Chai Walli
Masti
Sangees Kitchen
Health
Koalified
Silver Lining Speech
Umeed Psychology
Untaboos
Non-for-Profit
Australian South Asian Centre
Pink Sari
Rohingya Justice & Human Rights
Performing Arts
Bolly On
Chandralaya Dance
Margam
Natya
Professional
DG Dreams
Khayshie
Neha Chandra
P3 Studio
Real Estate & Property
JK Buyers Advocate
Dwelvy
Retail
Auroras Soulful Gifts
Behue Beauty
Desi Paradesi Kids
Huntd
Social Enterprise
Gaontara
Goods for Good
Shakti Legal
Veira
Specialised Business
Gluxe Events
Nonies Floristry
The Maharani Diaries
Sai Garlands
Sustainable
After
Kifayaat
Lunaire
Punar
Tech & Innovation
Alderon
Eiris
Foboh
Wellness
Janani Pieries
Lead Your Way
Mindkshetra
Sattvic Wellbeing
Top image source: Supplied