ACT Women’s Awards 2025: Celebrating Exceptional Women Making a Difference
Three remarkable women from Canberra have recently been honored at the prestigious 2025 ACT Women’s Awards. These awards, designed to recognize the outstanding contributions of women and gender diverse individuals towards empowering and improving the lives of women and girls in the Australian Capital Territory, serve as a beacon of inspiration for the community.
Meet the Winners:
2025 ACT Woman of the Year – Lauren Cannell
Lauren Cannell, the CEO and Founder of Educacion Diversa, has been bestowed with the title of 2025 ACT Woman of the Year. Educacion Diversa, an international not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to providing free inclusive art-based education focusing on human rights, sexual and reproductive health, and the elimination of violence. Through her impactful educational programs and campaigns, Lauren has significantly contributed to advancing the status of women and girls in the ACT.
Some highlights of Educacion Diversa’s work include:
- Petitioning to mandate teaching gender equality in schools.
- Implementing a Sports Puberty Program and Period Dignity project, which influenced the ACT Government’s commitment to providing free period products.
“This award is crucial as it will enable me to expand the program further,” expressed Lauren, emphasizing the importance of recognition in driving positive change.
2025 ACT Senior of the Year – Jayanti Gupta
Jayanti Gupta, the Founder and Presenter of Gender Equity Matters, a weekly radio program on 2XX, has been recognized for her exceptional contributions. Jayanti empowers women by providing training in radio presentation and leadership skills, using her platform to address gender-related issues affecting women and girls in the ACT. Additionally, she is the Founder and Chair of the Integrated Women’s Network (IWN) and Integrated Cultures ACT Inc.
“I always like to fight for the underdog, and I realized that women are not getting the same rights as men,” shared Jayanti, reflecting on her commitment to advocating for gender equality.
2025 ACT Young Woman of the Year Award – Anjali Sharma
Anjali Sharma, a passionate climate change activist, has been honored for her advocacy work. Anjali played a pivotal role in co-introducing the Climate Change Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Equity) Bill and leading initiatives such as the Melbourne School Strike. She continues to empower young women in the ACT to become climate activists, spearheading efforts to champion the Duty of Care Bill.
“The urgency to address climate change is centered on people, including women and young individuals, and their rights to thrive and prosper as previous generations have,” emphasized Anjali, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental and social justice.
Explore More:
Discover past winners of the ACT Women’s Awards on the ACT Women’s Honour Roll, showcasing the legacy of remarkable women who have made a lasting impact in the community. Stay informed about the latest news and events in the ACT by subscribing to our email newsletter.
Conclusion:
The 2025 ACT Women’s Awards have shone a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of Lauren Cannell, Jayanti Gupta, and Anjali Sharma, showcasing their unwavering dedication to empowering women and advancing gender equality in the ACT. These inspiring women serve as role models for future generations, embodying the spirit of positive change and social impact.
FAQs:
1. What is the significance of the ACT Women’s Awards?
The ACT Women’s Awards celebrate the exceptional contributions of women and gender diverse individuals towards improving the lives of women and girls in the Australian Capital Territory, inspiring positive change and progress.
2. How are the winners selected for the ACT Women’s Awards?
The winners of the ACT Women’s Awards are chosen based on their outstanding achievements and contributions in empowering women, promoting gender equality, and advocating for women’s rights in the community.