Media Release from Dhaka

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Media Releases 2006

8 March 2006

Australian Minister in Dhaka for International Women’s Day 2006

Senator the Hon Amanda Vanstone addressing a group of prominent Bangladeshi women at an International Women's Day function in Dhaka

“Australia recognises that unless women are active participants in all spheres of public and private life, our country’s future will never truly reflect the talents, experience and aspirations of all of its citizens”, said Senator the Hon Amanda Vanstone, the Australian Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs at an International Women’s Day function today.

“Bangladesh should be congratulated for its efforts to improve the participation of girls in primary eduction, and I would encourage them to continue to build on this invaluable resource. It is no coincidence that the developed economies of the world enjoy the active participation by women at all levels in their communities”.

“Today women in Australia play an important role in many fields including business, the law, journalism and government, and have clearly demonstrated their ability to be leaders in their fields. Australia is the richer for their contribution”, she added.

Senator Vanstone addressed a group of prominent Bangladeshi women from academia, business and civil society at a luncheon at the Sheraton Hotel to celebrate International Women’s Day 2006.

In his introductory comments at the function, the Australian High Commissioner, Douglas Foskett, told the audience that, “in a vocation traditionally dominated by men, Senator Vanstone has been a passionate and vocal advocate for women working together, regardless of their political persuasion, to break through the barriers and open the way for others to follow”.

On Monday 6 March, Senator Vanstone marked 2438 days as a member of the Cabinet, thereby becoming Australia’s longest-serving female Cabinet Minister. She has held a number of senior Ministerial positions including: Minister for Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs; Minister for Justice and Customs; Minister for Family and Community Services; and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women.

March 8 is celebrated across the world as International Women's Day (IWD) and provides an opportunity to recognise the achievements of women and their contribution to society. On this day, women can celebrate the progress that has been made but also contemplate those areas of women's lives where more can be done.


For further information please contact during office hours:

Deputy High Commissioner
Australian High Commission Dhaka
184 Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka – 1212.
Tel: 8813101, Fax: 8811125
E-mail: [email protected]