Australian ambassador for women arrives in Pakistan on 3-day visit

ISLAMABAD - Australian Ambassador for Women and Girls, Dr Sharman Stone, arrived in Pakistan on Sunday for a three-day visit to exchange views on gender equality and the rights of women and girls.

According to a press release, Dr Stone said her country has made gender equality a key objective of foreign policy because they recognize the benefits that flow to whole communities from women's full and equal participation.

She said Gender equality is not only a basic human right but also a fundamental basis for a peaceful, innovative, prosperous and inclusive world.

“I am excited to be here talking about such important issues with Pakistani friends at a time when both Australia and Pakistan are serving on the United Nations Human Rights Council, and flowing from Sustainable Development Goal No. 5 and our two countries’ commitments under the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women,” Stone said.

During her visit, Dr Stone will meet with senior officials, including the Minister for Human Rights and the Foreign Secretary.

She will launch a AUS$6 million sexual and reproductive health programme bringing family planning services to thousands of women living in areas bordering Afghanistan.

“These services are critical to empowering women and reducing maternal and child mortality. By helping women stay healthy, we help them participate equally in society, education and the economy,” she said.

As Ambassador for Women and Girls, Dr Stone promotes gender equality in Australia and internationally. Prior to her appointment as ambassador in 2017, she had a distinguished 20-year career in the Australian Parliament.