Our Comedy Champion to Receive Prestigious BCA Medal of Honour for the Arts at Palace of Westminster.
We are bursting with pride here at Funny Women to announce that our brilliant founder, Lynne Parker, will be recognised with the British Citizen Award (BCA) Medal of Honour for Services to Arts (BCAa) at the Palace of Westminster on Thursday 24th July 2025.
We’re not saying we’re biased, but we think she’s pretty amazing!
The British Citizen Award, now in its 10th year, celebrates individuals who make positive impacts on their communities across the UK. The BCAa (Service to Arts) recognises those who have made significant contributions to the arts and cultural landscape.
Lynne’s selection for this prestigious recognition reflects her extraordinary 23-year commitment to transforming the comedy landscape for women and creating lasting positive change in our communities. Since establishing Funny Women in 2002, she has been the driving force behind a movement that has empowered countless women through humour, creativity, and unwavering community support.
And after 23 years of championing women in comedy, we reckon she’s earned the right to add a few fancy letters after her name!
Under Lynne’s leadership, Funny Women has evolved from a grassroots initiative into a nationally recognised platform that has significantly impacted the cultural landscape. Her innovative approach to combining comedy with social purpose has broken down barriers and created opportunities for women across the country – proving that laughter really is the best medicine (and apparently the best career move too).
Lynne’s impact extends far beyond entertainment. Her charity events on International Women’s Day and throughout the year have raised significant funds and awareness for numerous causes, embodying her philosophy of “laughing about life to help and heal women.” The workshop programmes she developed, utilising stand-up comedy principles to enhance self-confidence and presentation skills, have empowered women in both their professional and personal lives.
“On behalf of the Funny Women CIC Board, I’d like to extend our huge congratulations to Lynne on this prestigious award. This is very well deserved recognition for everything you do, and have done for over two decades, helping women to find and get their voices heard – in the world of stand up, the workplace and in their day-to-day lives. We are so incredibly proud of you and the impact your work has on people’s lives.” Tracey Barr, Chair of Funny Women’s non-executive board of directors.
As a long-standing member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Women and Enterprise, Lynne has consistently advocated for policies supporting women in business and entrepreneurship. Her 2018 launch of the HERlarious initiative further expanded her influence, promoting the strategic use of humour in workplace environments through workshops, training programmes, and coaching. (Because who said board meetings couldn’t use a bit more laughter?)
The medal presentation will be hosted by TV presenter Matt Allwright and attended by BCA Patrons Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers, and The Rt Hon Lord Dholakia. Following the ceremony, medallists will enjoy an Open Top Lap of Honour tour celebrating their positive impact on communities nationwide.
Reflecting on her recognition, Lynne said: “I’m absolutely thrilled and deeply humbled to receive this honour. When I started Funny Women in 2002, I never imagined it would lead to this moment. This recognition belongs to all the incredible women who have been part of our journey – every comedian who took the stage, every workshop participant who found her voice, and every person who believes in the power of laughter to change lives. I’m proud of what we’ve built together and grateful for this wonderful acknowledgment of our work.”
Lynne’s legacy through Funny Women is not just about laughter, it’s about breaking barriers, fostering talent, and creating positive societal change. This BCA recognition celebrates not only her individual achievements but the collective impact of everyone who has been part of the Funny Women journey.
The entire Funny Women CIC community congratulates our trailblazing founder on this well-deserved honour and looks forward to Lynne continuing her mission of empowering women through comedy and community support.
True to form, Lynne isn’t slowing down, currently she is working towards the 21st Funny Women Awards in collaboration with BBC Studios’ digital channel, Funny Parts. And her latest venture, The Glitter Challenge, is already challenging women to step out of their comfort zones and into the growth zone, because getting comfortable being uncomfortable is where the magic happens. It’s yet another example of how she continues to push boundaries and create opportunities for women to shine brighter than ever.
Here’s to many more years of making the world a funnier (and better) place!
