Local women of the year honoured

• Local Woman of the Year – Rana Lakmas;

• Local Woman Community Award – Sanjalin Krishan;

• Woman Activism Award – Nadia Saleh;

• Creative Arts and Cultural Award – Lyn Martin;

• Young Local Woman – Lizi Mcleod; and

• Woman Hip Hop Activist of the Year – Zeadala.

Mayor Khal Asfour congratulated the recipients and nominees at an afternoon tea at Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre.

"Today was a wonderful acknowledgement and celebration of those women in our community who have contributed to making a positive difference," he said.

A highlight at this afternoon’s tea was guest speaker, Belmore Boys High School Principal, Hala Ramadan, who spoke about how she helps guide young men and their parents.

"It’s about expanding the horizons and building aspirations in all young people, both men and women," she said.

"In order to support women, we need to teach our boys how to become advocates for them – their sister, mum, aunty, grandmother, teacher – that’s why it’s so important they understand how to empower females.

"We make it a priority they learn that women are equal and we not only build our boys up, but help them recognise the importance of the wellbeing and strength of the women in their lives.

"Like on International Women’s Day, our students celebrated the important women in their lives and their achievements, but we also made sure we raise an awareness about the injustices women still face to this day, from the gender pay gap to human trafficking."

Miss Ramadan said her school also promoted supporting parents, often the mothers and female role models of her students.

"I am someone who came to Australia when I was 15, and didn’t know a word of English. If I can reach the position that I am in, anyone can," she said.

"We run a program that educates people from non-English speaking backgrounds and low socio-economic families, which helps them gain the skills they need for employment. At the end of it, they receive a certificate and we help find them a job."