Media Release
27 November 2023
Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality, Stephanie Copus Campbell AM visited Indonesia last week to further Australia’s partnership with Indonesia on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“Australia and Indonesia have a shared commitment to advance gender equality in our countries, the region and globally”, said Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Penny Williams. “Our communities, workplaces and economies are stronger when women can participate equally.”
In Jakarta, Ambassador Copus Campbell met senior officials from the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, civil society organisations, and business leaders to share experiences and ideas to progress gender equality in Australia and Indonesia. Discussions focused on growing women’s economic participation, preventing violence against women, and supporting women’s leadership.
Ambassador Copus Campbell also met representatives of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia to discuss the role of women in peace and security, and economic growth in the region.
In Makassar, Ambassador Copus Campbell met prominent women leaders, visited the National Islamic University (UIN) Alauddin and learnt about the work of the South Sulawesi government to create economic opportunities for women and people with disabilities.
During her time in South Sulawesi, Ambassador Copus Campbell also visited communities who are working to prevent gender-based violence and child marriage, and increase access to services – projects led by civil society organisations in partnership with the Australian and Indonesian governments.
“It’s fantastic to meet the inspiring leaders in government, multilateral institutions, business, civil society, and communities who are working together to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in Indonesia and the wider ASEAN region,” said Ambassador Copus Campbell. “Gender equality matters more than ever before. We must harness the potential of everyone to tackle global challenges like climate change, as well as to create communities in which everyone can thrive.”
Ambassador Copus Campbell’s visit coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and the commencement of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
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