Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls engages with Indonesia

Australia's Ambassador for Women and Girls, Ms Natasha Stott Despoja, has successfully concluded a visit to Indonesia, as part of Australia’s international engagement on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

During her visit Ms Stott Despoja spoke at the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children, and met Minister for Health, Dr Nafsiah Mboi.

She visited women who benefit from a poverty reduction program that offers loans to run small businesses. Women from civil society organisations also outlined their agenda to improve women’s economic empowerment, support women’s leadership, reduce violence against women and protect Indonesian migrant workers overseas.

Ambassador Stott Despoja said the visit had highlighted the value of advancing the political, economic and social empowerment of women and girls in Indonesia and elsewhere in the region.

“Empowering women in our societies has significant flow on effects; it drives economic growth and is a significant factor in improving the lives of the wider community,” Ambassador Stott Despoja said.

“I learned a great deal about how gender equality issues are being tackled in a country as geographically and socially complex as Indonesia. I listened to Indonesian perspectives and stories on women’s empowerment and that will help guide my ongoing work on these issues,” she said.

Ambassador Stott Despoja also participated in a live chat session with the Australian Embassy Jakarta’s Facebook fans.

She answered numerous questions from Indonesian men and women about how to improve conditions for women and girls.

Media Enquiries:
Ray Marcelo, Counsellor (Public Affairs) 08111 873 175