Central Victorian agencies to be highlighted during 2019 United Nations Commission on the Status of Women

Three of the region's foremost experts are travelling to New York for the 63rd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations.

The two-week session attracts leaders from across the globe who are working to empower women. Almost 5000 people are expected to attend this year.

Margaret Augerinos and Robyn Trainor from the Centre for Non-Violence and Annie North chief executive Julie Oberin will travel from central Victoria to attend, deliver and participate in events.

While in New York, they will have opportunities to present at side events and parallel events associated with the commission.

"Being among delegates from 193 UN Member States and two non-member observing states is an amazing experience," Ms Oberin said.

"All are focusing on the issue of gender equality and better outcomes for women and girls across the globe."

She said it must be remembered on International Women's Day women and girls across the globe still faced poorer outcomes due to their gender.

"Even Australia has a long way to go to achieve gender equality, close the gender pay and wealth gap, eliminate gender-based violence and discrimination and equal participation of women in the public sphere," Ms Oberin said.

"Australia too has a responsibility to strive to meet its UN obligations and meet the agreed Sustainable Development Goals."

Ms Augerinos said she and Ms Oberin would speak about how central Victorian agencies worked to drive social change and address violence against women and their children.

She said it would be an opportunity to showcase the work of Annie North, the Centre for Non-Violence, Loddon Campaspe Centre Against Sexual Assault, Women's Health Loddon Mallee.

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Ms Oberin, Ms Augerinos and Ms Trainor will deliver presentations at a number of 'parallel' events exploring the importance of women's shelters, specialist women's services and feminist multi-agency partnerships.

"During the fortnight governments also host what are called side events, which are held either inside the United Nations headquarters or nearby," Ms Oberin said.

"They are government run and usually have the minister or senior official chair the panel presentations."

Ms Oberin will participate in Male Champions of Change: Workplace Responses to Domestic and Family Violence, a side event chaired by Minister for Women Kelly ODwyer.

Both Ms Augerinos and Ms Oberin will be on a side event panel called The Importance of a Coordinated Community Response in responding to violence against women and girls.

"When we are not presenting we will be attending other events and supporting the official Australian government delegation to negotiate language in what we hope will be a CSW 63 Agreement at the end of the fortnight which further builds on progress against the agreed Sustainable Development Goals," Ms Oberin said.

In addition to representing their own respective organisations, she and Ms Augerinos will be part of the Australian Women Against Violence Alliance delegation.

Ms Augerinos said the commission was an opportunity to learn from other presenters and attendees.

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