Australian women at UN Commission on the Status of Women

The role of Australian women and their contribution to the global community will gain international focus at a United Nations forum on women’s issues.

The Minister for Family and Community Services and the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Women’s Issues, Senator Kay Patterson, will lead the Australian delegation to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York, USA.

“This year’s United Nations Commission on the Status of Women will provide an opportunity to promote women’s rights and the important role women play in all communities across the world,” Senator Patterson said.

“The meeting will focus on two major issues, the Beijing Platform for Action and future challenges for women in the 21st century.

“The 10th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action examines the status of women across 12 critical areas, including health, education, violence and decision-making.

“The meeting will also provide an opportunity to meet with Commonwealth counterparts and to highlight the Australian Government’s innovative policies addressing issues affecting women.

“I am delighted Australia’s delegation encompasses a broad range of interests and perspectives, and representatives from a variety of Australian Government departments and non-government representatives, including rural and Indigenous women,” Senator Patterson said.