MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Chris Gallus,
today paid tribute to the pivotal role that women play in the Australian
overseas aid program.
Mrs Gallus said International Women's Day provides a good opportunity to
reflect on the impact Australian female aid workers have on the lives of women
and their families in developing countries.
'Wherever you look in the aid program there are women taking key roles to
help alleviate poverty and raise living standards in the poorer countries of
Asia, the Pacific and Africa,' Mrs Gallus said.
'Women have a very high participation rate across the Government's overseas
aid program.
'Twice as many women then men are participating in the most recent intake of
the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development program, their skills ranging
from paediatricians to public relations professionals.
'Women are also keen participants in volunteer programs run by organisations
such as Australian Volunteers International.
'Australian women working in our aid program often face lengthy separations
from families and friends and may endure significant physical hardships in
unfamiliar surroundings.
'Much of their work will benefit women who are likely to be poorer, less
educated, less healthy and subjected to more violence and human rights abuses
than men.'
In recognition the Australian Government is this year spending approximately
$450 million on activities which will specifically assist women in developing
countries.
'Our aid program supports schemes in Vietnam and East Timor which allow women
to increase their incomes by using small loans to grow and sell vegetables,
raise pigs and start or expand other income-generating activities.
'We are also focusing on heath education for women on the prevention of
HIV/AIDS and providing primary school education for vulnerable children,
especially girls in three Indian states known for high levels of child labour
and exploitation.
'Australian women are working hand-in-hand with women in developing countries
and making an important difference,' Mrs Gallus said.
Contact:
Kate Cowmeadow (Office of the Parliamentary Secretary) 08 8350 0022 / 0418
660 898
Greg Clough (AusAID) 02 6206 4220 / 0417 683 126