GovWire

Dr Alice Bunn, Director of Policy at UK Space Agency, and Emma Hopkins OBE, Head of Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict at Foreign and Commonwealth Office, have both won awards for being inspirational innovators in the Marie Claire Women at the Top Awards. Interviews with both feature in the latest edition of the national womens magazine.

Alice won for her work helping to broker an international agreement to ensure countries share satellite images during humanitarian crises, such as the Japanese tsunami and the disappearance of Malaysian flight MH370. The work she spearheaded has the potential to save millions of lives.

Emma was recognised for her work with Angelina Jolie and William Hague to replace the culture of impunity for rape in war, with one of deterrence. In June, she led the team organising the global summit that was the largest international gathering ever on this issue and has also since been awarded an OBE.

Sir Jeremy Heywood, Head of the Civil Service, said of the awards:

I am thrilled about these two awards. They underline the calibre of the women working in the Civil Service in some of our most challenging roles, delivering exemplary results for the good of society. Alice and Emma are an inspiration to all those who work hard in the spirit of public service - many of whom dont get such high profile recognition. Congratulations.

Alice said of her win:

I am really delighted to receive this award, but I am equally thrilled that there is recognition of the powerful benefits our space programmes and resulting international co-operation can bring.

Emma said:

I was proud and humbled to be seen alongside the other women recognised at the awards. I am grateful to the organisations like Marie Claire and the Civil Service who recognise the value that women can bring to business, society and as a force for positive change.

The Women at the Top ceremony was held on Wednesday evening at the Rosewood Hotel in London and aimed to inspire women to pursue their career goals. Other winners included the poverty activist Jack Monroe, the tech pioneer Kathryn Parsons and the one of the first Muslim parliamentarians, MP Shabana Mahmood.

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