The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has recently released its International Gender Equality Strategy which reaffirms the centrality of Australia’s commitment to gender equality and advancing the human rights of women and girls. It outlines how we will use all tools of our foreign policy to drive gender equality, including through our bilateral and regional programs and relationships, our multilateral diplomacy, trade, development and humanitarian assistance.

This Strategy reinforces Australia’s longstanding role as a champion and trusted partner for gender equality. The Strategy focuses on five priorities:

1. work to end sexual and gender-based violence and protect and advance women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights

2. pursue gender responsive peace and security efforts

3. deliver gender equitable climate action and humanitarian assistance

4. promote women’s economic equality and inclusive trade

5. support locally led approaches to women’s leadership.

This builds upon DFAT’s Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Strategy which applies to both DFAT staff and their overseas programs and policies.  They state: Australia’s International Gender Equality Strategy aligns our values with practical actions to advance gender equality globally. By working in genuine partnership, supporting local leadership and embedding gender equality across all aspects of our engagement, we will deliver tangible results. We will champion these principles in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, driving change that uplifts entire communities. With our partners, Australia will continue to work towards a safer, more prosperous world in which everyone has equal opportunities, rights and freedoms and can thrive free of violence, conflict and discrimination.