Australian website for women, Daily Life, has announced Human Rights Commission President Gillian Triggs as its fourth annual Woman of the Year, in recognition of her unwavering strength and commitment to protect the rights of asylum seekers and refugees.

The award, presented this year by ANZ, supports and celebrates women who have gone above and beyond to inspire, influence or affect change in the past 12 months.

Daily Life editor Candice Chung said, “It is an honour to recognise and thank Professor Gillian Triggs for displaying such extraordinary courage in the fight against human rights abuses in detention centres. Her steadfast professionalism and refusal to be silenced by the bullying tactics of the Abbott government is truly admirable.”

“Professor Triggs has stood up for the most vulnerable members of our society and has done so with grace, leadership and dignity. Her courage in the face of strident personal and political attacks has struck a chord with many readers. ”

The Daily Life Woman of the Year award recognises leaders and thinkers who make Australia a better and fairer place for other women. It is for women who set the agenda and inspire us with their words and actions.

“There has been a remarkable show of support for Professor Triggs. Hundreds of readers have recognised her work in condemning the treatment of children in detention centres. She is an exemplary role model for Australian women,” Chung added.

Of its involvement in the awards ANZ Global Wealth CEO Joyce Phillips said, “ANZ was proud to support The Women of the Year Awards because they recognise the many talented women who are challenging systems and taking risks to influence change for the benefit of our community.

“The breadth and depth of talent in this year’s finalists makes me feel very optimistic about the future and the positive impact women are having in shaping our future world.”

Professor Gillian Triggs joins previous Daily Life Woman of the Year winners Rosie Batty, former Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Kate, the cadet at the centre of the ADFA Skype scandal.

Finalists this year included Australian of the Year Rosie Batty, Group Captain Cate McGregor, Daily Life columnist and activist Clementine Ford, neurosurgeon Dr Caroline Tan, CSIRO prize-winning nanotechnologist Amanda Barnard and 14-year-old Josie Pohla, who started a change.org petition which triggered an increased focus on family violence awareness in high school syllabus.