Australia will be at the forefront of global efforts to promote the role of women and girls with the creation of an Ambassador to advocate on their behalf.
The Gillard Government today announced career diplomat Penny Williams will be Australia's first Global Ambassador for Women and Girls.
Ms Williams will engage in international advocacy in support of Australian Government policies that benefit women and girls, including work through the aid program.
Women and girls make up two-thirds of the one billion people in the world who lack basic literacy skills, with almost 35 million girls worldwide not getting even basic primary-level education. By improving access to education and health services for women and girls, we are able to lift families and communities out of poverty.
Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said that the evidence shows that aid spending is more effective when women are central to our investment.
The new Ambassador will co-ordinate and promote Australia's work to eradicate violence against women, improve access to services for women, the protection of women and girls in conflict zones and increase the representation of women in leadership roles.
The NGO community has welcomed the announcement.
'We commend the Federal Government in bringing the global empowerment of women and girls to the forefront of Australia's foreign policy,' UN Women Australia's Executive Director Julie McKay said.
Volunteers work with women and girls
The Australian aid program is already working to promote the role of women and girls, including through the Australian Volunteers for International Development program. These young women have been working to promote the role of women and girls in developing countries.
Joanna Brislane
Joanna Brislane with members of the YWCA Rise Up! women's group in Solomon Islands.
Joanna is working to empower women in the Solomon Islands to be leaders of change.
Through the overseas aid program, Australia is helping the Solomon Islands Government to help more women secure leadership roles, improve access to education for girls, improve the economic status for women, and see the introduction of new laws to protect women from violence.
Deployed through the Australian Volunteers for International Development program, Joanna is working at the YWCA in Munda where she helped develop and deliver the Rise Up! Young Women's Leadership Program. Rise Up was a three–day seminar for young girls to shape and develop their leadership skills. Joanna was also instrumental in re-starting the YWCA's kindergarten for local children.
'It's inspiring to work with these amazing women. The YWCA allows a safe space for them to get together, become empowered and learn important skills. We are working together to prepare these women to become future leaders in their communities,' said Joanna.
Anna Strempel
Anna Strempel working with women farmers to improve crops in Indonesia.
Anna is helping women in Indonesia build more profitable and resilient farms as part of the overseas aid program.
Approximately 41 per cent of poor rural-based Indonesians earn a living through the agricultural sector. Agricultural growth can help millions of Indonesians, including many women who are farmers, escape poverty through increased employment opportunities and earning power.
Anna is volunteering as an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development with BPTP NAD, an organisation that helps farmers adapt to changed conditions and return to farming.
Anna has worked to support and expand the Women in Agriculture Network, which has established women's farming groups in five of Aceh's 15 regions. Each group consists of 10 to 15 women working together to grow vegetables in private and shared gardens.
"Building local capacity and empowering women are crucial for achieving sustainable development," Anna said, who has seen the farming group initiative help local women earn an income, learn new skills and network with other women.
More information
Media release: Australia appoints Global Ambassador for Women and Girls (external website)
AusAID's work on gender equality and development