7th Feb 2007, 3:49 PM – Senate Motions - Commission on the Status of Women - End discrimination and gender-based violence

The majority voted against a motion introduced by Australian Democrats Senator Lyn Allison, which means it failed.

Motion text

That the Senate:

(a) welcomes the fifty-first session of the Commission on the Status of Women taking place from 26 February to 9 March 2007, with a theme of ‘The elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against the girl child’;

(b) acknowledges the vital role of the Commission in bringing the concerns of women and girls to the attention of the world community and in promoting women’s rights;

(c) stresses that it is important for world democracy that women should take a full and equal part in political, social, economic and cultural life;

(d) condemns the continuing grave violations of the human rights of women and girls throughout the world;

(e) expresses grave concern over continued restrictions on women’s access to education and health care, employment outside the home, freedom of movement and freedom from intimidation, harassment and violence in many countries;

(f) notes that women in many parts of the world still lack the capacity and support to speak out against violence and discrimination;

(g) emphasises that violence and discrimination against women and girls is a public issue and societal responsibility and that the education and development of men and boys is inextricably linked to advancing the rights and well-being of women and girls;

(h) encourages the Government to expand its support and funding for international organisations and programs providing high-quality education for girls, nutrition for early growth and development, sexual and reproductive health services, and safe spaces, legal structures and advocacy for girls;

(i) urges the Government to support organisations and programs that engage men in tackling discrimination and violence against women and girls, including changing harmful traditions and practices; and

(j) calls for Government leadership to end gender-based violence and eliminate discrimination against women and girls in Australia.