Giving women a sense of joy and empowerment: Women’s Shed CEO Sunita Kotnala, left, and Robby McGarvey. Photo: Supplied
A passion to empower women with trade skills has driven Sunita Kotnala to build a community organisation that continues to grow.
Her work founding and expanding the Women’s Shed Canberra has been recognised by her being named the 2025 Canberra Citizen of the Year.
Established in 2020 by Ms Kotnala and Robby McGarvey, Women’s Shed Canberra has helped hundreds of women develop skills in home repair and maintenance that improve their day-to-day lives while also inspiring them to consider careers in construction and building trades.
From learning how to build a picture frame to installing and replacing door locks, women from the age of 18 can participate in the Women’s Shed’s workshops.
These workshops focus on building skills, including learning how to use power tools and mental health for women of all backgrounds.
Women’s Shed Canberra expanded to include a mobile service in 2023, making it easier for those without transport and increasing community access to their services.
It also received an ACT Social Enterprise grant.
Women’s Shed Canberra now has a permanent home in Greenway, which will allow it to grow and prosper into the future.
Support for and interest in the concept was strong from the start.
“We’re getting phone calls every day from people either wanting to join or business or community groups wanting to help us,” Ms Kotnala told Region in 2021.
On Friday (21 March), Ms Kotnala was proud to accept the award and of the recognition it brought for Women’s Shed Canberra.
“It showcases the role the Women’s Sheds can play as social enterprises in the circular economy by exposing women to valuable skills in building trades and home repairs,” she said.
“I am delighted with the sense of joy and empowerment that women feel after learning to use power tools in a safe environment.”
Ms Kotnala said the award was doubly special for her coming 25 years since her arrival in Australia as a skilled migrant.
The Shed brought together her experience in social development with a love for restoring and refurbishing.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said that under Ms Kotnala’s leadership, Women’s Shed Canberra had become a place where women of all backgrounds and abilities could meet, get inspired, develop new skills, create and build.
“Not only has she inspired hundreds of women through her workshops, she has also built a community that continues to grow,” he said.
“I congratulate Ms Kotnala on her achievements with Women’s Shed Canberra and today’s well-deserved recognition.”
To find out more, visit Women’s Shed Canberra.
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