About UN Women & UN Women National Committee Australia
UN Women is the United Nations agency dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment worldwide. UN Women National Committee Australia is the fundraising and advocacy arm of UN Women here in Australia. UN Women National Committee Australia exists to promote the work of UN Women and raise funds to support UN Women’s projects worldwide working to:
- End violence against women and girls
- Lift women and girls out of poverty
- Develop women as leaders
- Ensure women’s participation in peace processes and humanitarian action, and
- Advance gender equality
UN Women is working tirelessly to help empower women around the world. While a small portion of funding comes from corporate partners and government departments, UN Women National Committee Australia relies mostly on donations from everyday Australians to create brighter futures for women and girls worldwide.
Fast facts
- 70% of people living in poverty are women
- Women and children are 14 times more likely than men to die in a disaster
- Two thirds of women in the Pacific region experience sexual or physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner
- Just 23.4% of parliamentary representatives worldwide are women
- Fewer than 4% of signatories to peace agreements are women
UN Women’s approach is unique in that it works in partnership with influencers from the grassroots to the highest levels of government to improve policy, strengthen and deliver programs and services to better meet the needs of women and girls.
Bring her Light
When disaster, conflict and crisis occurs, people’s lives change in an instant. Death, injury, displacement, and the destruction of infrastructure impact entire communities as a result.
Women and girls are impacted differently – violence and sexual assault against women skyrockets, and their unique needs are often forgotten in response efforts.
UN Women is working on the ground in the wake of disaster and the midst of conflict to deliver solutions that empower women, ensure their needs are met and protect them from violence. Sometimes these solutions are as simple as providing a light source.
In the wake of natural disasters, power outages are common and long-lasting and under the cover of darkness, women face an even higher risk of violence and sexual assault. Just $5 can provide a solar lamp to a woman to bring her light, which can mean the difference between danger and safety.
You can show your support for women in crisis. Text SAFE to 0497 222 444 to give $5 to provide a solar light to one woman and help keep her safe.
