Sonam Choden named 2021 ACT Woman of the Year

Sonam Choden was given the award on Thursday night and was recognised for her efforts in leading calls for better conditions for she and her colleagues at Calvary Hospital.

Ms Choden led protests from hospital cleaners who were insulted after the hospital's cleaning contractor offered only a 5 cent per hour pay rise.

This was despite the fact wages had remained unchanged for three years and was significantly lower than cleaners at the Canberra Hospital.

The industrial action eventually proved successful and cleaners were offered the same wages as their counterparts at Canberra Hospital.

Mrs Choden migrated from Bhutan and supports her husband and two teenage children as they study on student visas.

"Sonam is an incredible woman who has brought awareness to women who have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and advanced gender equality and respect for migrant women in her workplace," ACT Minister for Women Yvette Berry said.

Disability advocate Sue Salthouse was also awarded a special posthumous award for her work in advocating for women and girls with a disability at the awards.

Ms Salthouse was prominent in the Canberra community and was the 2020 ACT Senior Australian of the Year.

She was tragically killed in a car accident last year.

"Sue was a powerful advocate, whose work affected thousands of women and girls across the nation. Her commendation tonight was well deserved," Women with Disabilities ACT chief executive Kat Reed said.

Dhani Gilbert was named ACT's Young Woman of the Year and Liz Stephens was named ACT's Senior Woman of the Year.

Ms Gilbert is a proud Wiradjuri woman who is an advocate for sustainable outcomes for Country, community and young people.

Ms Stephens who works at Diversity ACT was recognised for her: "outstanding contribution to improving the lives of queer women".

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