New Ambassador role a win for women’s rights says World Vision

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

World Vision Australia today welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to elevate the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women with the appointment of a Global Ambassador for Women and Girls. 

“Poverty, violence and inequality are just some of the many challenges women and girls face every day in poor countries,” said World Vision’s Head of International Programs Kerin Ord. 

“The appointment of this new role will ensure Australia has a coordinated, consistent and holistic approach to the human rights of women and will make sure our voice is heard on the international stage. 

“It means Australia will have more impact in making sure women are seen as important and worthy in the eyes of their families, their communities, their nations and to the world. 

“When women are valued within their community and are given a chance, it has a big impact. We know that when women are provided with access to loans, education, food or health services they use it to their family and community's best advantage. This makes investing in women extremely important in the fight against poverty.” 

Ms Ord said World Vision welcomed the news the Ambassador’s portfolio would include a focus on violence against women. 

The World Health Organisation said last week that violence accounts for more than 1.5 million deaths every year, and that a significant number of women report experiencing physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner at some point in their lives. 

“Gender based violence is a major public health problem and a violation of women's human rights. World Vision hopes the new ambassador role will assist with the eradication of violence against women and girls, especially in our region,” Ms Ord said. 

“If we can make progress on the issue of violence against women and girls we will see improvements in other areas such as women’s health, their ability to have more say in household matters and their capacity to participate in politics. 

“But the solution to improving gender equality does not rest solely with women. World Vision believes the new role should promote working closely with men, especially those in positions of power. We need to work with men to influence the sometimes very powerful cultures, behaviours and practices which cause women's suffering.” 

With today’s appointment of an Ambassador for Women and Girls, World Vision also reminded the government about the importance of appointing an Ambassador for Trafficking in Persons. 

“It is absolutely critical that the issues of the sexual and labour exploitation of all persons- men and boys as well as of women and girls - are addressed as part of Australia's bigger comprehensive human rights response and advocacy in the region,” Ms Ord said. 

“The recently-released US Trafficking in Persons Report 2011 called on Australia to play a much more active role globally on the issue and appoint a specific Ambassador dedicated to addressing human trafficking issues. 

“The appointment of these two Ambassadors would assist greatly with the development of a strong, broad human rights regime in the region and beyond, in line with international standards.” 

ENDS 

Kerin Ord is available for interviews. Please contact World Vision Australia media officer on 0457 926 018.

Media Releases, Poverty, Asia and the Pacific, Australian Government, Gender Equality, WHO, Women's Rights

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