South Australia’s Farah Mak, well-known for her role in the Australian TV show Neighbours and her advocacy work, recently joined forces with Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, to co-host the Women Changing the World Awards. The event, which was organised by Australian entrepreneurs Katy Garner and Peace Month, took place in Windsor, London. The awards night celebrated women from various sectors such as sustainability, leadership, education, and health.
Dr. Tererai Trent, celebrated as Oprah Winfrey’s all-time favourite guest, attended the Awards, and spoke about the impact of the honourees. “These exceptional women are here to awaken hearts, give permission to recapture dreams, and inspire the women of the world to come together to forge a brighter path for all. The rising of women is the awakening of everybody,” she said.
At the event, Farah received the silver award for “Thought Leader of the Year” and took home the bronze for “Social Enterprise of the Year – People’s Choice”. These were awarded for her outstanding contributions through The Self-Worth Movement and her ongoing activism against family violence. “To be recognised and celebrated for these awards fills me with gratitude, joy, and hope,” Farah stated.
The profound impact of this gathering was not lost on Farah. She described the experience as inspiring and fulfilling. “Being surrounded by the most remarkable women changing the world among my fellow finalists and every worthy woman there was life changing. I have forged forever friendships and have been inspired like never before,” she shared.
Farah champions the notion that everyone should recognise their self-worth. “I believe that self-worth is an intrinsic gift that cannot be taken from us. Our true worth is innate. My hope is to educate, inspire, and empower women and girls around the world to rediscover their worth and know exactly who they are, what they stand for, and what they want to say. When you know your worth and believe in yourself and your dreams… anything is possible! Equally important, surround yourself with people who see your sparkle and support you every step of the way,” Farah explained.
Over the past year, Farah has not only continued her acting career, reprising her role as Katrina Marshall on Neighbours, but also advanced her advocacy efforts. She spearheaded a social impact campaign, produced a stylized documentary with Thea McLeod, and won silver for “Most Influential Person of the Year” in another Australian award. Currently, she is writing a memoir-come-metafiction novel and recently signed a deal to publish a series of children’s picture books focusing on self-worth.
These new books, titled The Sparkle Squad Girls, will be published by the same firm that handles the Duchess of York’s children’s publications. Farah’s upcoming series aims to aid young girls in realising their self-worth through stories that build emotional intelligence and impart important life values.
Farah’s vision persists as she leads The Self-Worth Movement, aiming to create a society where every woman and girl recognises their significance and where domestic and family violence are eradicated. With every step, she continues to inspire and bring hope to countless individuals, advocating for a world where everyone can see and celebrate their own worth.
Other South Australians honoured at the awards included Robyn Verrall, a dedicated agripreneur from Keith. Robyn was presented a silver award in recognition of her contributions to regional and rural development and her empowering efforts towards women and girls, placing Robyn among the most influential global personalities in agriculture and community support.
Founder and CEO of South Australian not-for-profit Puddle Jumpers, Melanie Tate, was also awarded at the event. Melanie’s unwavering dedication to visionary leadership led her to win the Silver Award for Women Changing the World in Not-for-Profit Leadership and a Bronze Award for Women Changing the World Leadership at the global awards ceremony.
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