Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner Ms Elizabeth Broderick to visit Bangladesh 26-30 November
The Sex Discrimination Commissioner of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Ms Elizabeth Broderick, will visit to Bangladesh from 26 – 30 November.
Ms Broderick will examine the gender-related aspects of Australia's development cooperation program with Bangladesh. She is keen to learn about Bangladesh's successes in addressing gender issues and women's empowerment, noting Bangladesh's significant achievements in women’s education and female representation in the Parliament. Ms Broderick will meet representatives of the government and non-government organisations to share her experiences on gender issues in Australia.
Ms Broderick will travel to Netrokona to view BRAC development programs on gender, jointly funded with Australia. She will also launch Australia’s support for the Acid Survivor’s Foundation. She will participate as a keynote speaker at a seminar organised by the Australian High Commission and BRAC on 29 November. The seminar will bring together a wide range of policy makers, donors, academics, journalists and gender experts to discuss various themes associated with gender and development.
Ms Broderick was appointed Sex Discrimination Commissioner in September 2007 for a five year term. Prior to her appointment, Elizabeth was a partner at Blake Dawson law firm and developed the firm’s business case for flexibility in the workplace. Her efforts contributed to creating a workplace where more than 20 percent of the law firm’s workforce now uses flexible work arrangements.
She has been a strong advocate for Australia’s national paid parental leave scheme and more recently has championed the changes to the ASX Corporate Governance Principles to increase the number of women at decision making level. Elizabeth is also an advisor on women’s issues to the Australian Chief of the Defence Force.
Australian High Commission, Dhaka, 24 November 2011
For further information please contact:
Senior Research and Communications Officer, AHC Dhaka
Tel: 8813105 (497); Mobile: 01711 880205
E-mail: [email protected]