PM&C’s Office for Women (OFW) met with a delegation of six inspiring Sri Lankan women in government leadership positions, on Wednesday 28 March, to share policies and learnings to improve the lives of women in both countries.

The members of the delegation have all successfully advocated on a range of women’s issues in Sri Lanka, from sexual harassment and gender-based violence to the protection of women and children affected by war.

They were particularly interested in learning from Australian strategies to increase the representation of women in politics, women’s economic empowerment and strategies to reduce gender-based violence.

At the meeting, Trish Bergin, First Assistant Secretary, explained the OFW’s role in working with departments and agencies across government to progress policies and programs to advance gender equality and improve the lives of Australian women.

She spoke about how different tiers of government work together to implement policies, providing the example of the Third Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022, which coordinates action on gender-based violence against women across all Australian jurisdictions.

The OFW also shared details of the Australian Government’s BoardLinks program; the Australian Public Service Gender Equality Strategy 2016-19; and the Male Champions of Change (MCC) strategy.

The Sri Lankan delegation talked about the implementation of their National Plan of Action on Sex and Gender Based Violence (2016-2020) and their innovative proposal for the establishment of an Independent Commission for Women.

More information on the OFW’s role in developing and coordinating the Australian Government’s policy advice on international matters relating to gender equality and women’s empowerment is available on the OFW International forums page.