In 2017-18, Australia provided $1.3 billion in development assistance for gender equality and women's empowerment worldwide. In her meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, Ambassador Stone applauded the progress Bangladesh made on gender equality and women empowerment, particularly in achieving parity in school enrolments for girls. During her visit to Rohingya camps, Ambassador Stone was "struck" by the scale of the crisis, including its impact on the host community in Cox's Bazar. During a meeting with Brac Executive Director Dr Mohammed Musa, the ambassador shared some insights on the work Australia is supporting to tackle gender-based violence in the Pacific. Ambassador Stone met a group of impressive Bangladeshi women leaders, including alumni from the Australian Awards program.

Source: Dhaka Tribune May 02, 2019 17:32 UTC