MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Billson
Women, fully able to exercise their basic rights, make decisions and contribute to communities are a critical force for poverty alleviation, the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Bruce Billson, said today at the launch of a United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report.
The Promise of Equality: Gender Equity, Reproductive Health and the Millennium Development Goals report highlights the need for a greater focus on women, young people and population growth in developing countries,' Mr Billson said.
'If women are not fully involved in the community you are tackling poverty with one arm tied behind your back. Gender equality, population growth and health are essential issues that must be addressed in developing countries, including the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS on women.
'The Australian Government's overseas aid agency AusAID, places a high priority on population and health programs which support projects in sexual health, family planning, maternal health and decreasing violence against women,' Mr Billson said.
'Gender discrimination remains a serious issue in our region and in many places custom and tradition take precedence over the rule of law as violence against women and girls is tolerated.
'The harmful treatment of women not only defies basic human rights, it also impacts on maternal mortality and the ability of women to make free and informed choices about their reproductive health,' Mr Billson said.
'Gender and health policy issues impact on development and security and the current AusAID White Paper process is examining how we can better work with partner governments to address serious health and gender challenges,' Mr Billson said.
'Australia is committed to helping people in need in the region and we have almost doubled our support this year for the UNFPA to $4 million and are investing $600 million in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the decade to 2010.
The release of the UNFPA report coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Media contacts:
Shane Fairlie (Mr Billson's office) 0408 680 442
AusAID (Public Affairs) 0417 680 590