Posted on 7th Mar 2011 @ 5:06 PM

SimiWeave™ inventor Simi Belo named as a
Top 20 Inspirational Woman from African Diaspora in Europe

London, UK, 7 March 2011. Multiple award winning inventor Simi Belo, whose revolutionary hair piece the 'SimiWeave™' is worn secretly by celebrities all over the world, has been named as one of the ‘Top 20 Inspirational Women from African Diaspora in Europe’ by organisation African Diaspora Professional Women in Europe (ADIPWE). Members of the public were asked to nominate women of African origin in Europe who they find inspirational and consider as role models to the next generation, and the list, compiled for the first time ever, will be officially announced tomorrow 8 March 2011, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.

ADIPWE founder Francine Beleyi believes that this new, fiercely contested Top 20 list, which consists of engineers, scientists, inventors, bankers, doctors, artists, media personalities, writers and entrepreneurs, will be instrumental in increasing the visibility of African Diaspora women in Europe. She says that although the women have physically left the African continent, they remain emotionally attached and inspire people in their home countries and “are conscious of their responsibility towards the development of Africa”.

 The African Diaspora in the EU (defined as people who have left their African countries of origin for economical, political or other personal reasons and their descendents) is comprised of very skilled professionals across the EU who are strategically positioned between the Western, developed countries and Africa, and have the potential to play a significant part in the development of Africa. Although women in the world, and especially in Africa, still face major challenges in the areas of education, there is encouraging evidence of progress, with numerous initiatives like social entrepreneurship projects, microfinance, mobile technology businesses, education and health projects, launched every year by those in the Diaspora.

Simi Belo, Nigerian, originally launched her SimiWeave™ invention in London, UK, in 2004, under the name ‘NewHair®’, and it is now available across the world. Heralded by industry-leading Black Beauty & Hair Magazine as '...a new invention to take the hair industry by storm....', the SimiWeave™ is a quick, easy to use, convenient and affordable hair piece, which looks completely real yet does not require hours in the salon. Nicknamed the ‘one minute makeover miracle’ the SimiWeave™ has established itself as the first product to truly combine realism with glamour, speed and convenience with choice and affordability, while facilitating healthy hair.  It is loved and worn by celebrities in complete secret, and recommended by the hair experts everywhere. 

Simi Belo, her SimiWeave™ invention and her business were winners or finalists for twelve major national and international awards, including 'Special Recognition' from GWIIN (The Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network; ‘European Business Of The Year' from the European Federation Of Black Women Business Owners; 'Top Ten British Female Inventor & Innovator' from the British Female Inventor & Innovator Network; ‘Black and Minority Ethnic Business' Passport To Export from UK Trade & Investment; ‘Top Ten Pan African Women Inventor/Innovator' from the Pan African Women Inventors & Innovators Network; and, ‘International Business Woman of the Year' from the International Business Award.   

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For more information about the ‘Top 20 Inspirational Women from African Diaspora in Europe’ list or general information about ADIPWE, please visit ADIPWE.wordpress.com.

To interview Simi Belo or for further information on the SimiWeave™ please email Media at SimiWeave.com, or call +44 (0) 207 193 7885 or visit SimiWeave.com.