Jane Davis is a Champion for the Addidi Inspiration Award 2013

Jane Davis, Director and Founder of The Reader Organisation is a champion in this year’s Addidi Inspiration Awards, which celebrate women entrepreneurs throughout history.

Each year, women from history are nominated for making a positive difference to the world, often against great odds. They are then paired with a modern-day female entrepreneur, who acts as their champion. Among four champions, Jane is paired with social reformer Josephine Butler (1828-1906), who was an advocate for women’s education and helped encourage better conditions for women in education and public health

Josephine Butler

In 1866, Butler’s husband George was appointed headmaster of Liverpool College, and the family moved to Liverpool. At this point, Butler became involved in the campaign for higher education for women, and in 1867 was instrumental in establishing the North of England Council for Promoting the Higher Education of Women.

However, throughout her lifetime, Butler was especially concerned with the welfare of prostitutes and from 1869 to 1886 she led the long campaign for the repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts - both in Britain and internationally. Josephine worked tirelessly for the campaign despite continual criticism and occasional physical assault, and the Acts were finally repealed in 1886.

At the awards reception on the 20^th of June at Travistock House, Jane will talk about her Woman in History and why she should win the award.

Running annually since 2009, the award is presented by Addidi: a women-focused independent financial services boutique founded by Anna Sofat, which has been providing guidance and advice on all aspects of personal finance to women since 2003.

Online voting opened on Saturday, and you can cast your vote for Jane and Josephine by clicking here.