Every year, UN Women Australia launches International Women’s Day at Parliament House. It is traditionally co-hosted by the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader, whoever she or he may be. This year was no different, but was all the more important to shine a light on the role UN Women plays working for a world where everyone regardless of their gender can access equal opportunities, including living a life free from violence and discrimination. Every woman has a right to feel safe, at work, at home and in public spaces.
At the launch of International Women’s Day, UN Women Australia’s President, Debra Eckersley, and Executive Director, Janelle Weissman, called on all our leaders to join us in redoubling their commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and accelerating progress to meet the needs of women and girls worldwide. That commitment must be demonstrated through words, action and investment, and importantly addressing systemic issues that have led to exclusion and discrimination against women and girls for generations.
We also acknowledged Australia’s longstanding bipartisan support for UN Women’s programs which are making a real difference to the safety and well-being of women and girls in our region and across the world.
