Senate debates

Wednesday, 8 March 2023

Questions without Notice

International Women's Day

2:27 pm

Photo of Penny WongPenny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

Unfortunately, it's not just Iran and Afghanistan. Women are facing setbacks around the world. The World Economic Forum has estimated that at the current rate of progress it will take—wait for it—132 years to reach full parity. It will take 132 years, on the current trajectory, for there to be full parity between men and women.

We also know that the crises of COVID-19, climate disruption and food shortages have hurt women and girls more. They have amplified existing inequalities, including gender inequality. According to the WEF, we saw a generational loss of gains in gender parity between 2020 and 2021, a documented step backwards in rates of livelihoods and poverty. Care Australia has estimated that 150 million more women than men are affected by food insecurity. We've seen documented declines in leadership and representation. (Time expired)

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