The Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, H.E. Mr Rod Smith PSM, together with senior staff, commemorated International Women’s Day 2016 by hosting a luncheon at the High Commission on 9 March.
This year’s luncheon was themed “Women in Public Life” and it was attended by over 100 guests representing various sectors including government, politics, business, education, arts, civil society and media. International Women’s Day commemorates the economic, political and social achievements of women all over the world. The event at the High Commission provided an opportunity to reaffirm Australia’s support for gender equality and women’s empowerment both domestically and internationally.
Former Governor-General of Australia, the Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO, was the guest speaker at the luncheon. As the first woman to take up the office, she remains a pioneer in contemporary Australian society. She has more than forty years of experience in reform, community building and leadership.
In his welcome remarks, Mr Smith highlighted Foreign Minister the Hon Julie Bishop’s recent launching of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Strategy.
“The Strategy establishes gender equality and women’s empowerment as a main priority for Australia in foreign policy, economic diplomacy and development efforts. It outlines three priorities for engagement on ending violence against women and girls, women’s economic empowerment and women’s participation in leadership and peacebuilding,” he said.
Ms Bryce participated in a week-long program as part of her visit. On International Women’s Day, Ms Bryce met with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department YB Puan Hajah Nancy Shukri and Deputy Minister for Women, Family and Community Development YB Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun, to exchange views on Australia and Malaysia’s approach to enhancing gender equality and combating domestic violence. She also visited a Women’s Aid Organisation shelter which has received funding from the Australian High Commission.
Ms Bryce met with a range of young Malaysians during her visit. She was the guest speaker at the High Commission’s Alumni Speaker series, visited a primary school which has a partnership with a Victorian primary school and was the guest judge at a student debate at University Putra Malaysia.
Ms Bryce also participated in an event hosted by the High Commissioner for male business leaders in Malaysia to introduce the Australian initiative “Male Champions of Change”, a movement which brings together influential male CEOs and Chairpersons to use their individual and collective influence and commitment to ensure the issue of women’s representation in leadership is elevated on the national business agenda.
