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12 July 2023
AGW Newsletter Mother’s Day
Each year ‘Mother’s Day’ is celebrated in most countries on the second Sunday in May. On this day Families, pay special tribute to mothers all over the world. Being a mother is hard work, it can be exhausting, relentless and sometimes the hardest thing in the world. Yet, it is also one of the most beautiful, fulfilling and rewarding aspect of a woman’s life. Mothers also come in many form and roles – as a carers, as aunts, as those away for their children, those in war zones, those in difficult situations, thos in leadership positions and making an impact in all walks of life. AGW remains steadfast in out commitment to champion higher education of women and girls so that women everywhere can reach their full potential. Here is a poem that we would like to share M-O-T-H-E-R “M” is for the million things mums do for their children & families; “O” means that she’s growing older and wider; “T” is the tears she sheds for her children and family; “H” is for her heart that is pure and selfless; “E” is for her eyes, that shine with love and warmth; “R” means she’s resilient, as she speaks from experience. Put together the letters spell “MOTHER,” a word that has a special meaning for all around the world. We salute all women, wishes to all members.
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8 March 2023
International Women’s Day Wishes – Newsletter 1 – 2023
International Women’s Day Wishes Dear Members, On behalf of the Australian Women Executive (Dr Zeny Edwards, Dr Iryna Khodos, Alison Hayden and myself), I wish you all a Happy International Women’s Day. Prof Shirley Randell AO and past CIR of AGW and myself are currently attending the Commission on the Status of Women at the UN in New York. It has been three intense days at CSW67 that reflect the many challenges women around the world face and a deep feeling of immense gratitude for the privileges and freedoms we enjoy in Australia. Over the next two weeks, participants from across the world – including representatives from governments, the UN, civil society and youth groups, as well as activists – will examine how gender equality, empowerment and sustainable development can be achieved in the digital era. In her opening remarks, CSW67 Chair Mathu Joyini from South Africa, said although digital technologies are rapidly transforming societies, they are also giving rise to profound new challenges that may perpetuate and deepen existing gender inequalities. “Gender-based discrimination is a systemic problem that has been interwoven into the fabric of our political, social and economic lives, and the technology sector is no different,” she said. UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted that the CSW is meeting as progress on women’s rights is vanishing – including in countries such as Afghanistan, where women and girls have been, in effect, erased from public life – and as gender equality is growing ever more distant. “Your focus this year on closing gender gaps in technology and innovation could not be more timely. Because as technology races ahead, women and girls are being left behind,” he said. As gender inequality is ultimately a question of power, the Secretary-General called for urgent action in three areas, starting with increasing education, income and employment for women and girls, particularly in the Global South. The Secretary-General stressed that promoting women’s full contributions to science, technology and innovation is not an act of charity or a favour to women, but a “must” that benefits everyone. “The Commission on the Status of Women is a catalyst for the transformation we need. Together, let’s push back against the push back on misogyny, and forward for women, girls, and our world,” he said. Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, was among other senior officials who addressed the CSW opening ceremony. She said the digital revolution offers the potential for unprecedented improvement in the lives of women and girls, and at a time when progress towards sustainable development is at risk. She expressed confidence that the meeting will underscore that “digital rights are women’s rights”. We will share a detailed report on our return and include some pictures from our first three days at CSW67. Warm wishes Professor Jaya DantasPresident, AGW AGW acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land and pay our respects to their elders past and present.
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15 December 2022
AGW Newsletter #3 (2022)
We reflect back on this tumultuous year, welcoming the AGW executive team for the triennium (2022-2025): Professor Jaya Dantas – President; Alison Hayden – Treasurer; Dr Zeny Edwards – CIR; and Dr Iryna Khodos – Secretary. We also recount our Centenary Celebrations, including the Distinguished Panel Webinar, as well as the AGW Centenary Scholarships. Twenty AGW members are eligible to attend the Commission on the Status of Women (New York from 6 to 17 March 2023), details are in the newsletter.
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11 September 2022
AGW Newsletter #2 (2022)
In this issue, we recount the pandemic, benefits of being a AGW member with international affiliations, as well as our what our executive team have been up to. We succeeded in our application for Special Consultative Status with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (ECOSOC).
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