PRESS RELEASE
Australia underlinessupport for women, peace and security
8 March 2013, Accra –Australia’s High Commissioner-designate to Ghana, Ms Joanna Adamson took the opportunity of an International Women’s Day event to promotethe Australian Government’scommitment to women rights and participation in conflict prevention, management and resolution.
Speaking at a women, peace and security-themed luncheon at the Australian High Commission, Ms Adamson saidthe protection and promotion of women and girls’ rights,and the elimination of gender-based violence,were Australian government priorities.
“The Australian theme for International Women’s Day 2013 is ‘Ending Violence Against Women’, which supports the UN theme of ‘Elimination and Prevention of All Forms of Violence Against Women’,” Ms Adamson told guests at the luncheon, including senior members of the Ghanaian government, female members of the Ghanaian Armed Forces and Australian volunteers in Ghana.
“This International Women’s Day, Australia adds its voice to the global call for an end to violence against women and girls - in all its forms and wherever it occurs.”
“Australia is speaking out with particular resolve as a member of the United Nations Security Council. We are also working with our Council partners, and with the UN system more broadly, to ensure the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls is recognised and that women are active players in peacekeeping and peace-building.”
Other speakers at the Australian High Commission International Women’s Day event were due to include Hon. Hanna Tetteh, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, and a representative of Hon. Nana Oye Lithur, Ghana’s Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection.
Ms Adamson said Australia’s commitment to gender equity and empowerment would continue, including through the Australian aid program.
“We strongly encourage African women to apply for Australia Awards scholarships. I am pleased that almost half of recipients of Australia Awards scholarships in 2012 were women.”
The Australia Awards scholarships program offers more than 1,000 awards across Africa each year, building capacity in agreed priority areas. In 2012, Ghana received the most Australia Awards of any African country.
“As Australia’s activities in West Africa expand, including in diplomacy, development and trade and investment, we will continue to make women’s empowerment a priority,” Ms Adamson said.
Further information about Australia’s activities to support International Women’s Day is available at:
Media Enquiries:Walter Kudzodzi, Public Affairs Officer at the Australian High Commission, on +233 302 216 415, or
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