Media Release by The Hon Julie Collins MP

Australian delegates for international women’s forum

The Minister for the Status of Women, Julie Collins, today announced the four exceptional women who will join her in representing Australia at the 57th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 57) in New York next month.

Ms Collins said the delegation she will lead represents a wide range of Australian women, including the four selected from non-government organisations.

“Each of these four delegates will make a valuable contribution to this important gathering,” Ms Collins said.

“They have been selected from a strong list of candidates and each one is a leading advocate in her field.

“The theme of the Commission on the Status of Women this year is the elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls.

“These delegates bring extensive experience and knowledge of the impacts of violence against women.”

The four delegates are:

  • Rebecca Vassarotti, as a community sector delegate
  • Michelle Deshong, as an Indigenous delegate
  • Karin Swift, representing women with disabilities
  • Adut Zita Deng Ngor, representing women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

“It’s important Australia has strong and diverse representation at the Commission so we can continue to advance the status of women and I am sure this year’s delegates will contribute to that goal,” Ms Collins said.

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women is the world’s main policy-making body dedicated to gender equality and the advancement of women.

Each year, delegates representing UN Member States meet at the UN in New York to examine issues related to progressing gender equality and to formulate policies to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment worldwide.