Australia thanks the Committee for continuing to hold this important discussion on the advancement of women.

“Women’s rights are human rights” is a well-worn refrain that we must continue to proclaim and ensure is heard. The fulfilment of women’s rights – without concession or exception – is long overdue. We know what is needed. Our commitments are clear: from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and CEDAW, to the Beijing Platform for Action and SDG 5, as well as the Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security.

The urgency of accelerating action on gender equality has only increased in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and resurgent and emergent conflicts. Women and their rights are under threat, with coordinated efforts pushing back on the hard-won gains towards gender equality.

All women and girls – who are diverse in their identities and the intersecting inequalities they confront – must be able to fully and freely exercise what we hold to be universal human rights. And to live their lives with dignity, physical integrity, choice and opportunities, free of violence.

Realising women’s and girls’ rights is critical to delivering on the 2030 Agenda, and for a better future for us all.

That is why advancing the human rights of women and girls is a priority for Australia, both domestically and internationally.

We are developing a National Strategy to Achieve Gender Equality that will ensure our resolve translates to substantive equality and the advancement of women in Australia. This includes ensuring women’s economic security. We are applying measures to reduce the gender pay gap and institute gender equality targets across businesses. We are amending our Fair Work Act to improve access to flexible working arrangements and strengthen protection for workers against discrimination and harassment. And because addressing the challenges and opportunities in the care economy is foundational to women’s economic participation, we are putting in place a ‘Carer Friendly Workplace Framework’.

Within and beyond our borders, we respond to violations of women’s rights and ensure sustained advocacy for gender equality. We listen to the priorities in our region – across the Pacific and Southeast Asia – and stand with our neighbours. This includes hearing and responding to shared concerns of climate security, economic prosperity, ending gender-based violence, and advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda. In listening and acting, we centre the agency, insights, knowledge, networks and leadership of women and girls.

Australia is committed to promoting gender equality and women’s human rights, empowerment and ending violence against women and girls worldwide. This is at the core of peace, prosperity and progress.