Women's Groups 2013 - UN Women Australia (formerly UNIFEM Australia)—Perth Chapter Young UN Women Perth Chapter
UN Women Australia (formerly UNIFEM Australia)—Perth Chapter Young UN Women Perth Chapter
Purpose of the group
This group is the national committee for UN Women in Australia, one of 18 globally. Since it began in 1989, UN Women Australia has grown to include a national office in Canberra, UN Women Australia sub-committees, International Women’s Day committees and Young UN Women Australia chapters in many states and territories. WA has two Perth-based volunteer committees—the Perth chapter and the Young UN Women Perth chapter.
The role of UN Women Australia is to:
- raise funds to support programs that achieve gender equality and empower women internationally
- challenge attitudes that perpetuate gender inequality in Australia and globally
- engage government support to achieve gender equality, including providing overseas funds for critical initiatives targeting women’s issues.
UN Women Australia is an active participant in UN activities relating to gender and development. The group sends a delegation to the UN Commission on the Status of Women annually, including a youth delegate.
The volunteer chapters focus on challenging attitudes, raising awareness and fundraising to support overseas projects in the following areas:
- developing women’s economic empowerment
- fostering women’s leadership and participation
- addressing violence against women
- building peace and security.
Time period
UN Women Australia has existed since 1989. The Perth chapter was founded in 2008 and the Young UN Women chapter was founded in 2009.
Key achievements
Perth’s two UN Women Australia chapters work with key women’s groups (the IWD WA Collaboration is currently chaired by the Perth chapter) to coordinate an annual International Women’s Day gala breakfast on 8 March to raise funds for international projects.
The major event is attended by women and men from all walks of life and has rapidly grown in support, attracting about 1,000 people in 2011 and 2012. It is supported by all levels of government, corporate businesses, community groups and individuals.
The Women's Hall of Fame is an IWD WA Collaboration initiative launched in 2011 as part of IWD centenary celebrations. One hundred women were inducted into the inaugural Hall of Fame, follow by another 20 in 2012. The Hall of Fame recognises the contribution made by women, past and present, who have inspired and influenced others in WA. Inductees include high-profile businesswomen, families caring for foster children and women parliamentarians who have changed WA history. In 2013, the Hall of Fame is celebrating the achievements of WA’s women’s groups.
Both Perth chapters run several information and fundraising events each year.
Key people and positions in the group
- Perth Chapter—Anne Banks McAllister (founder and first chairperson to 2012).
- Perth Chapter—Kerry Stopher (chairperson from 2012).
- Young Perth Chapter—Elizabeth Shaw (founder and first chairperson from 2010).
- Young Perth Chapter—Anna Johnson (chairperson from 2011).
Sources
- Website: https://unwomen.org.au
- Website: http://www.powerof100.com.au/about/unwomen.html
- Information provided by Kerry Stopher and Anna Johnson.
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