International Women’s Day celebration highlighted the achievements of women in education
On 13 March, the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, H.E. Mr Rod Smith hosted a luncheon themed “Women in Education” to mark International Women’s Day 2014.
Datuk Mary KC Yap, Deputy Minister of Education I and Professor Helen Bartlett, Pro Vice-Chancellor Monash University Malaysia were guest speakers at the event. Some 50 influential Malaysian and Australian women leaders from a diverse range of sectors participated actively.
This successful event provided a valuable opportunity to highlight the importance of education for women and girls’ economic and social advancement and the extensive education links between Australia and Malaysia.
The theme for the event expanded on the Australian National Committee for UN Women's theme for International Women’s Day 2014, ‘Ending Poverty for Women and Girls through Economic Empowerment’ by highlighting the achievements of women in the education sector.
Datuk Yap and Professor Bartlett spoke about their experience as female leaders in the field of education and the challenges they faced in building successful careers.
In his welcome remarks, Mr Smith highlighted the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop MP’s achievement as Australia’s first ever female Foreign Minister, her successful visit to Malaysia in February 2014, and her enthusiasm for the Australian Government’s signature initiative, the New Colombo Plan, to be rolled-out in Malaysia in 2015.
He also highlighted the senior leadership role played by women in the Australian High Commission.
In addition to the presentations by Datuk Yap and Professor Bartlett, the High Commission screened the International Women’s Day 2014 message by Australia's Global Ambassador for Women and Girls, Ms Natasha Stott Despoja AM and discussed Minister Bishop’s International Women’s Day 2014 Op-Ed.
The Australian High Commission invites you to view Ambassador Stott Despoja’s message via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade YouTube channel and Minister Bishop’s Op-Ed via the Minister for Foreign Affairs website.
