Australian High Commission
Colombo
MEDIA RELEASE
19 March 2014
Australian High Commission Marks International Women’s Day
HE Robyn Mudie, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka hosted an event to mark the International Women’s Day at the Australian High Commission, Colombo on 12 March 2014.
Addressing the gathering, HE Mudie said “International Women's Day is an opportunity to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women and consider what we can do to overcome the hurdles which continue to prevent their political, economic and social empowerment. For those here today - decision-makers and influencers - our positions mean that we have a responsibility to those who need our help to remove gender inequality.
“Empowering women and girls is one of the best ways to promote economic growth and better living standards. Australia supports women’s empowerment here in Sri Lanka and in other parts of the world in many different ways but none more important than through education and economic independence.”
Ms Una McCauley, Country Representative, UNICEF and Ms Bridgette Thorold, Country Director, Oxfam also addressed the gathering, highlighting the work both organisations implement to further the empowerment of women and girls in Sri Lanka and globally. Both Oxfam and UNICEF receive support from the Australian Government for their work in Sri Lanka.
Mr Edward Archibald, Counsellor Development Cooperation, Australian High Commission, said “In the past year, Australia has helped increase the incomes of over 2,900 poor women through a range of activities including small-scale investments in the paddy, fisheries and aquaculture, fruit and vegetable and construction sectors, improvements in production, encouraging crop diversification and creating employment in local industry.”
“Our water and sanitation program in rural schools throughout the country has contributed to improving the hygiene and sanitation of more than 66,000 young girls and nearly 5000 female teachers in schools.”
“In 2014, 57% of awardees under the Australia Awards program, which provides scholarships to study in Australia, were women.”
The event was attended by senior members of government, civil society and the diplomatic community.
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