Minister for Women, Dr Marisa Paterson, today launched the 2026 ACT Women's Awards.
This year these awards unveil a refreshed approach that recognises the breadth of women's contributions in the ACT, nationally or internationally and the lasting change they create.
The refreshed 2026 award categories are:
- Excellence in Industry
Recognising outstanding contributions to innovation, leadership or advancement within any industry or sector, highlighting women's economic participation and leadership across diverse fields.
- Lifetime Achievement
Honouring an individual whose lifelong dedication has created meaningful and enduring change through sustained leadership, innovation or service that has shaped policy, practice or culture and established a legacy that continues to influence and inspire.
- Gender Equity and Social Change
Celebrating efforts to advance gender equity, inclusion or social change. This category may include explicit links to the priorities of the ACT Women's Plan and the systemic change it seeks to drive.
- Minister's Impact
A new discretionary award selected by the Minister each year, with a theme that responds to emerging needs or priorities for women and girls in the ACT.
