Today, as International Women’s Day marks its 101st anniversary, the achievements of unsung heroines who live, work and volunteer in the district are celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony.

The Bradford Women of the Year Awards came about after Councillor Naveeda Ikram found herself sharing a room with 400 of the UK’s most inspiring women.

As the Lord Mayor of Bradford – and the country’s first female Muslim Lord Mayor – Naveeda was invited to last year’s Women of the Year Lunch in London, where a cross-section of guests included singer Lulu and campaigner Nawal El Sadaawi, 80, who speaks up for the rights of Iranian women.

“It was phenomenal being in a room with these women from all walks of life – wounded soldiers, humanitarian campaigners, celebrities – who’d all made a difference in some way.

“It got me thinking about all the dedicated and courageous women I’ve come across, and how we should celebrate their contribution to our communities,” says Naveeda.

“There’s never a day when I’m not inspired by women here – not just volunteers but those dedicated to their jobs who go the extra mile.”

Naveeda met the Reverend Dr Barbara Glasson, team leader at Bradford’s Methodist Touchstone Centre, to put the wheels in motion for an awards scheme.

Awards in four categories – commitment, achievement, inspiration and courage, and an overall Bradford Woman of the Year Award – are presented today at the Great Victoria Hotel.

Naveeda has been joined by judges Jane Vincent of Positive Bradford; Adeeba Malik, deputy chief executive of QED; Liz Firth, chairman of Bradford and District Women’s Forum; Telegraph & Argus reporter Tanya O’Rourke and Sandra Howard of Soroptimist International.

“I’m delighted at the diverse turnout of entries, with ages ranging from 21 to 70-plus. We’re aiming for it to be an annual event,” says Naveeda.

Born in Rochdale, Naveeda’s role models included former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

After volunteering at her local community centre and residents’ associations, she was elected to Bradford Council in 2004, representing Little Horton.

She has a psychology degree and works for Pakistan International Airlines in Bradford. She and husband Saqib Salam Shah have three children. With her and Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Valerie Slater in office, it’s the first time since 1983 that both roles have been filled by women in Bradford.

As a working mother, Naveeda has brought a new perspective to City Hall’s mayoral chambers.

The hair straighteners lying near her desk probably wouldn’t have been there this time last year, and she was the first female councillor in Bradford to take her baby into a Council meeting – the infant is now seven-year-old Alisha, known across the district as the “mini Mayor”.

“She dressed in mayoral robes to attend an event with me, and now I get invitations for the civic ‘mini me’,” laughs Naveeda.

“Having a young family, I can identifty with mothers, and as the Labour Group’s Women’s Officer I’ve encouraged high-profile speakers to talk about change and leadership, and I’ve mentored young girls.”

Having had a difficult arranged marriage in Pakistan, which didn’t last, Naveeda can identify with issues affecting many young Asian women.

“There are women who’ll look at me and say ‘I could never be like her’, but 12 years ago I was probably in a worse situation than they’re in,” she says.

“I haven’t had a life of privilege, and when I’ve talked about my experiences I’ve had women crying and hugging me. I want them to see there’s a way forward.”

As a school governor and a member of the Next Generation leadership programme, Naveeda is keen to empower young people by developing their citizenship and involvement with local government. She talks in schools about the importance of voting, and holds question-and-answer sessions for youngsters in the Lord Mayor’s office.

“I’ve met people who’ve lived here for 50 years and never been to City Hall. It’s important to have a sense of ownership, and responsibility, of your district,” she says.

With weeks to go before her mayoral year closes, Naveeda has raised around £70,000 for her appeal, supporting Bradford’s Marie Curie Hospice, and says a highlight has been spending time with patients there.

“The care they receive is amazing. I’ve had so many letters thanking me for choosing the hospice,” she says.

“Being Lord Mayor is a fantastic opportunity to see what’s going on districtwide – it has made me a better person. As a councillor, you’re focused on your own ward but now I have a bigger overview.

“When I lost count of people saying to me, ‘You’re a breath of fresh air, could you have an extension?’ I knew I must be doing something right.”