THE HON. MALCOM TURNBULL, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA AND THE HON. BILL SHORTEN, LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION HOST THE AUSTRALIAN LAUNCH OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY.
Parliamentarians, Departmental Secretaries, representatives of civil society and military leaders gathered together for UN Women National Committee Australia’s Parliamentary Breakfast held at Parliament House this morning. The event marks the launch of International Women’s Day 2018 celebrations across Australia.
Australia has a long history of supporting International Women’s Day (IWD). Central to this, is the partnership between UN Women National Committee Australia, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, who supports IWD events in many capital cities to highlight the achievements of women in our region.
This International Women’s Day (IWD) UN Women National Committee Australia’s theme is “Leave no woman behind”, looking at the vital role women play in humanitarian and disaster planning and response. When crisis occurs, people’s lives change in an instant. Death, injury, displacement, and the destruction left behind impacts entire communities, but natural disasters and conflict also exacerbate existing inequalities. Disasters kill more women than men, and hit women’s livelihoods hardest.
UN Women works across our region and around the world to ensure that women are central to all planning for and responses to disaster and conflict; and that when disaster strikes the needs of women and girls are considered. Harnessing the knowledge and talents of women in planning for and responding to crisis benefits everyone. Women have important resources and skills to contribute when crisis hits. They also play a vital role as leaders, given their wealth of knowledge and connections to family and community and are well placed to help protect and empower other women and girls so that they can survive and thrive.
“Leaving no woman behind is more than just a catchy tagline. It’s smart. When we commit ourselves to ensuring that women’s voices are included, listened to, and respected, we give communities the best chance at recovering following conflict and disaster,” said Executive Director of UN Women National Committee Australia, Janelle Weissman.
