Canberra is encouraging nominations for the ACT Women’s Awards during ACT Youth Week, with past recipients highlighted to show the impact young people are making across the community.
Among them is Anjali Sharma, who was previously named ACT Young Woman of the Year after helping drive national climate change protests as a teenager and contributing to policy discussions, including the Climate Change Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Equity) Bill.
“While awards are never the purpose of activism, it’s a sign that what we’re doing is working which is an honour and a privilege,” Sharma said.
The ACT Women’s Awards recognise women, gender-diverse and non-binary people across the region whose work is creating lasting and positive change. The program spans fields including science, sport, community work and culture, with recipients acknowledged for contributions at local, national and global levels.
The ACT Women’s Honour Roll continues to record those contributions, listing award recipients since self-government in 1988 across categories such as ACT Women’s Awards, ACT Australian of the Year Awards and Canberra Citizen of the Year Awards.
Recent award cycles have recognised a broad group of contributors. Lauren Cannell was named ACT Woman of the Year, while Jayanti Gupta received ACT Senior Woman of the Year. Megan Gilmour was recognised as ACT Australian of the Year, with Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello named ACT Local Heroes.
Officials say nominations are open to women, gender-diverse and non-binary people from all backgrounds and life experiences, with individuals able to nominate themselves or others.
The next ACT Women’s Awards ceremony is scheduled for 3 September 2026, when new recipients and Honour Roll inductees will be announced. Organisers say ACT Youth Week provides an opportunity to recognise emerging leaders and encourage wider community participation in the nomination process.
For more information, visit act.gov.au
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