Advancing the rights of women across the Pacific and in Australia will be the focus of an Oceanic Pacific delegation at Women Deliver 2023.
Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins will lead the Victorian delegation to Kigali, Rwanda next week alongside more than 60 diverse representatives from the region – including other ministers, parliamentarians, government officials, community representatives and grassroots advocates.
The delegation will take agreed regional priorities to one of the largest gender equality conferences in the world.
The Victorian Government, in partnership with the Commonwealth Government, is the Regional Convening Partner for the Oceanic Pacific region – mobilising diverse gender equality advocates across the region to identify priority issues affecting women.
Held every three years, the global conference brings together thousands of activists and decision-makers from communities, governments, philanthropy, the private sector and international agencies.
The success of Victoria’s role as Regional Convening Partner will significantly strengthen Victoria’s future position to host the Women Deliver 2026 Global Conference – a key advocacy priority for the Minister at next week’s conference.
Hosting the Conference in 2026 would attract up to 8,000 delegates to Melbourne and generate an economic return of more than $40 million for the state.
The delegation includes Australian Ambassador for Gender Equality Stephanie Copus Campbell, Victorian Commissioner for Gender Equality Dr Niki Vincent, Djirra CEO Antoinette Braybrook, Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation CEO Jill Gallagher, and Women and Girls, Pacific Community Strategic Lead Mereseini Rakuita.
The World Economic Forum has said it would take the world 132 years to achieve gender equality on the current trajectory.
Women of all backgrounds, with expertise and experience, coming together at forums like Women Deliver, is critical for finding the solutions needed for a better future for women and girls.
To learn more about the delegation and recent convening events in Fiji and Melbourne, go to vic.gov.au/women-deliver-2023.
As stated by Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins
“This year’s Conference is an opportunity to identify solutions and drive change for women and girls in Victoria and our region on the issues that affect them.”
“Securing the next global Women Deliver event for Victoria in 2026 will generate millions for the Victorian economy – supporting local businesses and creating more jobs.”
