1V WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2026
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The 1V Woman of the Year should be a role model for the whole community.
She must demonstrate a series of activities or programmes which have made a real difference in her community, and the wider area of Blackburn.
She should be notably influential in supporting individuals or communities in gaining a beneficial result. The 1V Woman of the Year should spearhead initiatives and events for the betterment of people.
She should be positive, approachable, and understanding towards all members of the community.
She should show a real passion for her work and seek to positively impact lives and communities. This award is open to volunteers as well as paid staff, however the 1V Woman of the Year must go beyond her paid role(s) to be considered for this award. Special credit will go to those that are ambassadors in the area of cohesion and integration, and those who seek to promote gender and racial equality, as well as uplifting marginalized communities.
While the award aims to acknowledge the work of candidates in the previous 12 months, it can also be recognition of a continued level of service to the communities.
HERE ARE YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Shahiesta Iqbal
Shahiesta Iqbal is an Education Development Officer at Community Rail Lancashire, working in partnership with Northern Rail to connect communities across the North West with the railway. Drawing on two decades of teaching experience in Blackburn schools, she has consistently been inspired by the young people she taught and the colleagues with whom she worked.
Six years ago, Shahiesta embraced a unique opportunity that combined her passion for railways and community engagement, becoming the first South Asian Muslim woman in the UK to undertake such a role. In her current position, she shares her enthusiasm for rail travel, introduces communities to the North West’s landscapes by train, and leads initiatives that promote mental health, wellbeing, and inclusion. She established “Stations of Welcome” in Accrington—the first Muslim women’s group in the UK to adopt a railway station—a pioneering project recognised with the BBC Make a Difference Award in 2025.
Shahiesta collaborates with numerous schools and community organisations, including Humraaz, DARE, Al Hayat Language Centre, Rosebuds, Purple Patch, and Zee’s Defence Academy, to encourage confident rail travel that opens doors to independence, volunteering, and employment. A proud Northerner, her passion for community rail continues to inspire others and create opportunities that connect people, communities, and places across the region.
Shigufta
Khan
Shigufta Khan is the Chief Executive Officer of The Wish Centre, a specialist domestic abuse charity in Lancashire. She has worked with the organisation since 2007 and became CEO in 2015. Under her leadership, The Wish Centre delivers prevention programmes for children, young people, victims, and perpetrators of abuse, alongside training for practitioners to ensure victims receive the best possible support. The charity provides crisis interventions, safety planning, safe accommodation, and counselling, reaching over 3,500 people in the past 12 months alone.
Shigufta’s dedication extends beyond her professional role. She sits on local and regional domestic abuse boards, represents the voluntary, community, and faith sector on Blackburn and Darwen’s Adult and Children Safeguarding Boards, and serves on advisory panels including The King’s Fund, the Diocesan Safeguarding Panel, and Blackburn and Darwen Healthwatch. She is also vice chair of Blackburn and Darwen’s Community Network Board.
Shigufta is widely recognised for her integrity, compassion, and expertise in domestic abuse, and her work has influenced national policy and practice. She attributes her success to her team, whose collective commitment drives the charity’s impact. Through her leadership, Shigufta champions prevention, empowerment, and equitable access to support, making a lasting difference for vulnerable individuals and the wider community.
Mary
Painter
Mary is a dedicated and approachable Community History Librarian whose passion for heritage and learning has had a lasting impact on her local library and community. Born and raised locally, she has spent her career ensuring that the history of the area is preserved, celebrated, and made accessible to people of all ages. Through her work, Mary brings local stories to life, creating engaging resources, exhibitions, and digital content that connect the community with its heritage.
In her role, Mary keeps library users informed about events, collections, and services, while developing strong partnerships with local organisations to enrich the library’s cultural and educational offerings. Her commitment goes beyond traditional library services, fostering participation in community projects and promoting awareness of the library as a hub for learning, creativity, and history. She works closely with volunteers, inspiring and supporting them to contribute to projects such as local archives, oral histories, and the curation of historical resources.
Mary’s professionalism, enthusiasm, and community-focused approach have strengthened the library’s role as a welcoming, vibrant, and inclusive space. Her dedication to heritage, education, and public engagement makes her a highly respected and deserving finalist, whose work continues to inspire, inform, and connect people across the community.
Faz
Sidat
Farzana “Faz” Sidat is Head of Youth at IMO, a role in which she leads programmes that support, empower, and uplift young people from all backgrounds. Growing up in a community where deprivation is visible and opportunities can be limited, Faz has long been committed to creating positive change and providing the guidance, encouragement, and opportunities that young people need to thrive.
Her career began as a primary school teacher, and she continues to contribute to education as a school governor. Alongside her professional roles, Faz coaches netball and engages in a variety of community initiatives, supporting women, young people, and the wider community. Through her work, she increases participation, builds confidence, and fosters connection and inclusivity.
Faz is known for mentoring young people, creating safe and welcoming spaces, and strengthening community cohesion. She collaborates with multiple organisations to deliver impactful programmes that make a real difference in people’s lives. Inspired by her family’s example of selflessness and guided by her values of respect, integrity, belonging, loyalty, communication, empathy, and courage, Faz dedicates herself to helping others reach their full potential and creating opportunities that empower the next generation.
WINNER 2026
Shigufta Khan Named 1V Woman of the Year 2026
Shigufta Khan was announced as the winner of the One Voice Woman of the Year Award 2026, recognising her outstanding leadership, compassion, and dedication to supporting vulnerable individuals and strengthening communities across Lancashire.
As Chief Executive Officer of The Wish Centre, Shigufta has devoted nearly two decades to tackling domestic abuse and supporting those affected by it. Since joining the organisation in 2007 and becoming CEO in 2015, she has led the development of a wide range of specialist services, including prevention programmes, crisis interventions, safety planning, safe accommodation, counselling, and practitioner training. In the past year alone, The Wish Centre has supported more than 3,500 people across the region.
Beyond her leadership role, Shigufta is a respected voice within local, regional, and national safeguarding and domestic abuse networks. She serves on numerous boards and advisory panels, helping to influence policy, improve services, and ensure the voices of victims and survivors are heard. Her commitment to prevention, empowerment, and equitable access to
“Winning the woman of the year award means so much to me personally, and also on behalf of everyone who works at the Wish Centre and to all our survivors,” said Shigufta.
The 1V Woman of the Year Award celebrates exceptional women who inspire others through leadership, service, and community impact. Through her unwavering commitment to protecting and empowering vulnerable people, Shigufta Khan has created lasting change and is a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious honour.
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