A GLASGOW refugee who has devoted her life to uniting communities in Maryhill has been honoured for her contribution to the city

At 17, Remzije Sherifi was one of the first female radio journalists in war-torn Kosovo but was evacuated to Glasgow from a refugee camp after being diagnosed with cancer.

She later set up the Maryhill Integration Network, which operates a programme of activities in health, learning, art, and dance, aimed at uniting asylum seekers, refugees and the wider population in Glasgow's north.

The grandmother was presented with the Spotlight Award at yesterday's Scottish Women in Business (SWIB) awards at Glasgow's Grand Central hotel, which is given to someone whose contribution to society is "noteworthy and inspirational." Remzije was chosen after a public vote.

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The event was hosted by TV star Jane McCarry, known for playing Isa in Still Game and also recognised the efforts of Elaine Sergeant from Govan, who was awarded the Collaborator Award.

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After 30 years working in welfare, Elaine needed a change and in 2015 joined Glasgow Care Foundation, which support families living in poverty.  

Nikola Kelly, a mother-of-four, was also presented with the Innovator Award for setting up Be-IT, which is now the largest independently owned IT Recruitment Specialist Consultancy in Scotland.

Judges includes celebrity podiatrist, Margaret Dabbs, FSB Policy Manager Susan Love and SWIB Honorary President, Morag Malloy.

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Zaynab Al Nasser, President of SWIB, said: “After building on the success of the previous SWIB Awards, we hope to encourage women to put themselves forward for well-deserved recognition.

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"This has been a must-attend event for members and non-members alike to celebrate not only their own accomplishments but also the achievements of their peers; and we offer our congratulations to all the winners and finalists.”