The 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City from 10 to 21 March 2025.

The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. CSW is instrumental in promoting women’s and girls’ human rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women.  

The Australian Government has released its response to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee Inquiry report into Australian support for Ukraine.

The government has accepted, in full or in part, 9 of the 22 recommendations; and noted 13 recommendations.

The government response is available at: Australian Government response to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee report: Inquiry into Australian support for Ukraine.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Australian honours and awards system, which includes the Order of Australia, the Australian Bravery Decorations and the National Medal.

Founded on 14 February 1975, the honours and awards system was established to recognise the exceptional service and significant achievements of Australians from all walks of life.

Recipients of Australian honours and awards celebrated the milestone with Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, at Government House in Canberra.

Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, Minister for Women, has submitted Australia’s ninth periodic report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.

As a party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, Australia has an obligation to periodically report on its progress toward improving the lives of women and girls in Australia.

The report reflects measures taken in the past 4 years across areas including gender-based violence, education, employment, access to justice, First Nations, and health.

Home energy upgrades can help households reduce their energy bills and Australia’s carbon emissions. However, it’s not always easy for homeowners to identify the most suitable and cost-effective upgrade option, and this can lead to inaction.

BETA partnered with the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to design and test interventions which empower homeowners to take action to upgrade their home’s energy performance.

A $5 million Research Partnership grant – part of the Working for Women Program – has been awarded to the University of Sydney’s Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion @ W