Today the Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash delivered Australia’s Country Statement at the 61^st session  of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW61) at the UN Headquarters in New York.

The CSW meets annually to promote women’s rights, shape global standards and formulate policies to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. This year, CSW61 will be guided by the theme ‘Women’s Economic Empowerment in the Changing World of Work.’

Despite a full day of events being cancelled due to Winter Storm Stella which hit New York, CSW61 is back in full swing with Australia’s delegation participating in a number of roundtables and panel events. The delegation led by Minister Cash includes Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls, Dr Sharman Stone, Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins and three Australian non-government representatives.

In delivering Australia’s country statement, Minister Cash said that boosting women’s economic participation is critical for global prosperity in the 21st century.

“The Australian Government is committed to women’s economic empowerment by ensuring workplace diversity and flexibility, flexible and affordable child care, increasing the incentives for women to work, and getting women into the jobs of the future,” said Minister Cash.

The Minister also acknowledged the emerging CSW61 theme, the empowerment of Indigenous women, and reiterated Australia’s commitment to eliminating violence against women.

Read Minister Cash’s full Country Statement.