Advancing the status of women around the world
The Australian Government is proud to endorse Natasha Stott Despoja AO for re-election to the CEDAW Committee.
The Committee is the body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The Committee consists of 23 experts on women’s human rights from around the world.
Ms Stott Despoja has been a member of the Committee since 2021 and is an experienced and trusted advocate for the rights of women and girls. She has brought an increased focus within the Committee to under-served regions, including the Pacific.
Experience and continuity counts, and in my first term I have gained a deep understanding of both the Convention and the Committee. I have developed strong, collaborative and professional relationships with my colleagues on the Committee, member states and civil society across the world.
Australia is committed to being a global leader in gender equality and women’s empowerment. Ms Stott Despoja’s candidacy builds on that commitment.
Ms Stott Despoja is a fierce advocate for the progression of women’s human rights and the advancement of women’s representation in decision-making institutions domestically and internationally.
– Senator, the Hon Katy Gallagher, Minister for Women
Priorities for 2025–2028
Ms Stott Despoja will continue to champion the Convention as a powerful tool to drive genuine fairness and equality for women.
At a time when the rights of women worldwide continue to be eroded, the amplification of the Convention is paramount. I will continue to engage in meaningful dialogue with member states, multilateral bodies and civil society, providing guidance and strategic advice to states in progressing their gender policies and advancing the status of women.
Ms Stott Despoja’s style is consultative and collaborative. She is respected as a reliable and trusted member of the Committee.
I will prioritise listening to those women who are not typically heard. I stand for a Committee that seeks to understand women’s experiences in all our diversity.”
Ms Stott Despoja will create opportunities for women from all over the world and all walks of life to engage more meaningfully with the Committee. She will connect with women from the Pacific region in particular, and plans to bring an extraordinary Committee session to the Pacific in 2025.
As a global Committee and global community we can achieve effective and sustainable outcomes for women and girls when we understand the diverse experiences of discrimination. I would welcome the opportunity to continue serving our global community of women and girls on the Committee.
Demonstrated experience
- 2021–24: Member of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
- Current: Professor in the Practice of Politics at the Australian National University; member of the Advisory Council 50/50 by 2030 Advisory Group (women’s representation in leadership positions); member of the George Washington Global Women’s Leadership Council
- 2023: Member of the FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup Steering Committee
- 2017: Member of the United Nations High Level Working Group on the Health and Human Rights of Women, Children and Adolescents
- 2015–17: Member of the World Bank Gender Advisory Council
- 2013–16: Australia’s global Ambassador for Women and Girls
- From 2013: Founding Chair and current Patron of Our Watch, Australia’s national foundation to prevent violence against women and children
- 2001–02: Leader of the Australian Democrats
- 1995–2008: Senator for South Australia Ms Stott Despoja was appointed to the Senate at age 26, making her the youngest woman to enter the Federal Parliament in Australia. She is passionate about the representation of women in politics, leadership and decision-making at the domestic and international level.
Ms Stott Despoja is among the world’s most influential women’s human rights experts. The Australian Government is proud to endorse her candidacy for re-election to the Committee.
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