2 March 2023

Amazing Canberra individuals recognised at 2023 ACT Women Awards

| Claire Fenwicke
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Beatrice 'Betty' Macharia

Beatrice ‘Betty’ Macharia has been named the 2023 ACT Woman of the Year. Photo: Supplied.

An African Australian who has dedicated years to volunteering and overcoming barriers for culturally and linguistically diverse communities has been named the 2023 ACT Woman of the Year.

Community sector worker Beatrice ‘Betty’ Macharia’s contributions to Canberra include volunteering as the African Australian Council ACT’s executive secretary and as an executive in the East African Community Association.

She’s passionate about making a difference in mental health, and domestic and family violence, as well as supporting vulnerable women.

Betty was the mind behind the 2022 Women’s Health Week event ‘Dera Night – Our Health, Our Way’.

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The contributions of another two women have also been recognised at the awards night on Thursday (2 March).

Sexual violence activist Sophie Aboud’s been named the 2023 ACT Young Woman of the Year, while Council on the Ageing (COTA) ACT CEO Jenny Mobbs is this year’s Senior Woman of the Year.

Sophie Aboud

2023 Young Woman of the Year Sophie Aboud. Photo: Supplied.

Sophie has led the research and writing of the safe response toolkit through the STOP Campaign.

It’s a comprehensive resource for victim-survivors of sexual violence and their supporters in the Territory.

Jenny Mobbs advocates for the rights of older people and has been a representative on a range of advisory and working groups, including the ACT Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing.

Jenny Mobbs

Jenny Mobbs is the 2023 ACT Senior Woman of the Year. Photo: File.

Minister for Women Yvette Berry congratulated all award nominees, finalists and winners.

“Each year, I look forward to celebrating the incredible contributions the finalists make to our community – and this year was no exception,” she said.

“I’d like to acknowledge and thank all the women in our community who work without the expectation of recognition and make a difference in the lives of women and girls in the ACT.”

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