Australia advocates for international standards and norms on gender equality in a range of multilateral forums. As a sign of our commitment to promote gender equality and end discrimination against women and girls, Australia nominated Ms Natasha Stott Despoja for the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), who was elected into the Committee on 9 November 2020. Ms Stott Despoja was the sole candidate from Oceania. This is the first time Australia has served on the Committee in almost thirty years. View the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women's media release on the candidacy.