The annual award, previously won by Rosie Batty, the ADFA cadet known as ‘Kate’ and Julia Gillard, recognises the women who make Australia a better and fairer place for other women.
The shortlist does not just comprise high profile faces. It includes activists, scientists, journalists, business leaders and everyday citizens whose work has sparked positive change in the past 12 months.
From the political sphere, NSW Greens MLC MehreenFaruqi and Victorian MLC, Sex Party leader Fiona Patten are finalists, both for their efforts to improve women’s access to safe and legal abortion in their respective states. Senator Penny Wong is on the list for her marriage equality campaigning, and SA politician Kelly Vincent is up for her passionate disability advocacy.
The winner of the Woman of the Year award will be announced at an event in Sydney tonight. A panel of finalists chaired by the ABC’s Julia Baird will be speaking on the year’s most significant issues and moments for women.
