“I’m very proud to lead the first government in Australia with a majority of women in our membership,” Albanese said to government leaders who gathered together at Parliament House on Wednesday morning to officially launch Australia’s 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations. 

“You can see across every portfolio, this makes a difference. Because of women campaigning with the union movement, making it clear that no one should have to choose between safety and their job, we now have 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave.”

“Because of women’s advocacy and the work of experts like Anne Summers, emphasising the way that poverty and financial dependency trap people in violent relationships, we’ve delivered more support for single mums,” he said.

“When women are seeking help, they should be heard and seen, believed, supported and empowered.”

“While women are shaping these policies and driving these responses, ending this epidemic of violence has to involve men stepping up. Because violence against women is not a problem that women should have to solve.”

The tragic number of women killed in Australia shows that the epidemic of violence plaguing the nation. In 2023, Destroy the Joint data revealed a staggering 64 women’s lives were stolen by violence, and already this year, six women have lost their lives to violence. 

The gender-based nature of this violence is clear, as men are often the perpetrators of physical violence, sexual harassment and sexual violence. This reality makes Albanese’s call for men to “take responsibility” all the more critical. 

Ahead of the UN Global Day of Observance on 8 March, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton co-hosted the annual UN Women Australia event. 

“The lead-up to International Women’s Day is an opportunity for all of us to recognise the progress that women are driving across our economy and our society,” Albanese said.

“It’s a chance to re-affirm our commitment to true gender equality – in the community, the boardroom, on the sporting field, in our parliaments. Above all, this is a time when we must face-up to where we are falling short and look for new ways to do better.”

Also present at the event were some of the government’s most high profile womne, including Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, Minister for Women Katy Gallagher and Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth.

This year’s official theme for IWD is ‘Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress’, based on the priority theme for the United Nations 68th Commission on the Status of Women, exploring the pathways to greater economic inclusion for women and girls everywhere.

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Last year, Bullock became the first woman in the Reserve Bank of Australia’s 63-year history to hold the influential position of Governor. 

“UN Women Australia is delighted to welcome one of Australia’s most prominent economic leaders for this one-of-a-kind conversation,” said Simone Clarke, CEO of UN Women Australia. 

The exclusive virtual presentation will feature an in-depth conversation with Governor Bullock, where audiences will hear insight into her visions and aspirations, her passion for inclusion and her views on the importance of diverse leadership. 

The theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is ‘Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress’. It’s based on the priority theme for the United Nations 68th Commission on the Status of Women, exploring the pathways to greater economic inclusion for women and girls everywhere.

Around 2.4 billion women of working age are not afforded equal economic opportunity as men. Nearly 1 in 3 adolescent girls from the poorest households around the world has never been to school, while more than 342 million women and girls could be living below the poverty line by 2030, according to UN Women’s 2023 Gender Snapshot. 

The Snapshot shows an additional $360 billion per year is needed to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment. However, only 26 per cent of countries have a comprehensive system to track gender budget allocations.

“Women’s economic empowerment is central to a gender equal world,” says UN Women Australia. “When women are given equal opportunities to learn, earn and lead– entire communities thrive.”

Over the coming weeks, UN Women Australia will also be unveiling the inspiring line-up of speakers who will be across Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, as well as a live virtual stream of all events on Friday, 8 March 2024.

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