Key highlights:

·       Martyn’s Law, Figen Murray OBE, honoured with PoWEring Change Award at 2026 Northern PoWEr Women Awards in Manchester

·       2026 is the milestone tenth anniversary of the awards

·       The special recognition award celebrates individuals whose work is driving meaningful and lasting change

Figen Murray OBE, the campaigner behind Martyn’s Law, was honoured with the PoWEring Change Award at the 2026 Northern PoWEr Women Awards in Manchester. The special recognition award celebrates individuals whose work is driving meaningful and lasting change.

Figen embodies the very spirit of the Northern PoWEr Women Awards - resilient, determined and unwilling to stand back in the face of injustice - a powerful woman who has turned personal loss into lasting change for the safety and benefit of others.

The award was presented during the 10th anniversary of the Northern PoWEr Women Awards, held at Manchester Central and attended by 1,000 leaders, changemakers and organisations from across the North. During one of the evening’s standout moments, founder Simone Roche MBE welcomed Figen Murray OBE to the stage to receive the one-off PoWEring Change Award.

Following the death of her son Martyn Hett in the Manchester Arena attack, Figen Murray OBE has led a national campaign for stronger public safety legislation. Her advocacy has been instrumental in bringing Martyn’s Law to national attention - legislation designed to improve security and preparedness at public venues across the UK.

Her work has helped bring national attention to the importance of preparedness, safety and resilience in public spaces. From her early work supporting victims of domestic abuse to shaping national policy and empowering communities across the UK, she has transformed countless lives. Her leadership continues to inspire change, amplify voices, create safer spaces and drive progress where it matters most.

Through this advocacy, Figen has worked with policymakers, security experts and campaigners to help bring Martyn’s Law to the forefront of national discussion, ensuring the legacy of her son continues to drive positive change. The PoWEring Change Award was created to recognise the individual whose leadership and advocacy has created lasting impact within communities and society. Figen’s determination, resilience and commitment perfectly capture the spirit of the award.

Figen continues to support the We Are PoWEr community and recently shared her story on the We Are PoWEr Podcast, reflecting on resilience, advocacy and the power of collective action.

As the Northern PoWEr Women Awards (created by We Are PoWEr) celebrates its tenth anniversary, Figen Murray’s recognition highlights the role of individual advocacy and determination in driving national change – ensuring Martyn Hett’s legacy continues to influence public safety across the UK.

She is a shining example that leadership isn’t just about titles - it’s about the courage to act, the vision to create change, and the commitment to see it through.