The event brought together key stakeholders from defence, diplomatic corps, government, and think tanks, including representatives from the EU Member States, the United States, Norway, the United Kingdom, Thailand, and New Zealand.

Ms Gai Brodtmann, Chair of ASPI Council, together with HE Ms Betty Bernardica Pavelich, the Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia, shared their valuable insights and first-hand experience on fostering inclusion in national security and diplomacy, which sparked a substantive discussion and exchange of knowledge between all international interlocutors around the table.

 ‘The inclusion and empowerment of women is about more than quotas or seats at decision-making tables. It is about respect for our voices, our unique needs, our proposals and our security. Women are agents of change, progress and peace and the valorisation of our contributions is just as important as adopting laws and policies that take gender perspectives into account’, said HE Ms Betty B. Pavelich, Croatian Ambassador in Canberra and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

‘Women in politics, diplomacy, national security not only promote gender equality but also inspire future generations’, said HE Mr Gabriele Visentin, EU Ambassador to Australia.

‘The EU works with multiple partners: governmental, private sector, civil society and international organisations, across the world in the quest for gender equality. We can all inspire inclusion, and by doing so we work for safer and more prosperous tomorrow’, the EU Ambassador added.

Representatives from across the sectors engaged in a vivid dialogue that not only highlighted progress made but also shed light on areas that demand increased attention for sustained advancement, not only in Australia but around the world.

This event served as a crucial platform for exchanging ideas and charting a course towards a more equitable and diverse landscape in key sectors that shape national and international policies.

No Democracy without Women’s Inclusion

Inspiring inclusion of women in politics enhances democracies and ensures better and more representative decision making. This year, 2024, is the first time in history that over 4 billion (!) people go to vote, marking it the biggest election year in history. Elevating women’s and girls’ active participation in political processes in pivotal for a just society. From voting booths, to being a candidate, to leadership positions, their active participation ensures better governance. By amplifying their voices, we enrich political discourse with diverse perspectives, fostering inclusive policies that address the unique needs of all citizens.

Inherently, without women’s equal participation in all areas of politics, democracy is not representative. Embracing women in politics not only promotes gender equality but also inspires future generations.

The EU promotes advancing equal participation and leadership as a key area of engagement of the Gender Action Plan III (GAP III) and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).