Women making a difference
NFAW is proud to recognise the achievements of our member Piphal Engly, who was selected as one of the four finalists for the 2007 Senior Australian of the Year Award in the ACT, acknowledging her work with people who have migrated to Australia.
Piphal arrived in Australia in 1977 from Cambodia. Prior to her arrival she acquired numerous qualifications from Cambodian and European academies, and had a successful career. She spoke fluent French, but arrived in her new country with little English.
Like many migrants, Piphal experienced personal tragedy before leaving Cambodia. The whereabouts of her two children are still unknown, although she is confident that one day she will find them.
Also like many migrants, Piphal was unaware of her rights under Australian industrial law, and experienced exploitation, racism and discrimination. However, once she enrolled in English classes at a Migrant Resource Centre there was no looking back. She started making a difference in her adopted country.
Over many years Piphal has worked diligently to ensure that other migrants would have a better experience arriving in Australia than she did. She has worked with Cambodian school age children and many others to help them access the language and other skills they needed to be treated as equals.
Piphal has been a member of NFAW for several years. “I believe that well-educated women should not be afraid to express their opinions” she said. “All opinions count. We all want our own country to be the best in the world, and to achieve this, we all have to contribute: socially, commercially or in any way possible.”
“As a citizen of Australia, I aim to increase happiness and prosperity for all, and to increase racial tolerance. We need to show tolerance and acceptance to people who are less fortunate than us; to offer them help.”
“We are all human beings, we all make mistakes, but with patience and tolerance we can eliminate discrimination.”
Jenni Colwill, NFAW spokeswoman said: “Many women have made a difference to Australia, bringing new ideas, skills and ambitions – making us richer and stronger. NFAW is proud to recognise the achievements of Piphal Engly: another successful Australian women. True to her own philosophy, she has made the most of her opportunities since her arrival in Australia, and continues to help others less fortunate by lobbying on their behalf.”
Further information
Australia in my difference – Women and migration in Australia since 1945
and Australia in my difference – Piphal Engly