MSI Asia Pacific welcomes the launch of the Australian Government’s International Gender Equality Strategy, a landmark commitment that will drive transformative change for women and girls in the Asia and Pacific regions, and beyond.
The Strategy underscores the centrality of gender equality to peace, prosperity, and stability—recognising that sexual and reproductive health and rights are foundational to achieving these goals.
For the first time in Australia’s history, a gender equality strategy explicitly affirms sexual and reproductive health and rights, including the right to abortion, as a policy priority. This marks a critical shift in Australia’s global leadership on gender equality and will strengthen its engagement at upcoming international forums such as the Commission on the Status of Women and the Commission on Population and Development.
A comprehensive framework for action
The strategy is built around five key priorities:
- Ending sexual and gender-based violence and advancing and protecting women's SRHR
- Pursuing gender-responsive peace and security efforts
- Delivering gender-equitable climate action and humanitarian assistance
- Promoting women's economic equality and inclusive trade
- Supporting locally-led approaches to women's leadership
With sexual and reproductive health and rights positioned as the top policy priority, the Strategy signals a renewed focus on ensuring that all women and girls can make informed choices about their health and futures.
Highlighting sexual and reproductive health and rights
“This strategy is a game-changer for sexual and reproductive health and rights in our region,” said Merewyn Foran, Executive Officer of MSI Asia Pacific. “By recognising the right to abortion and increasing investment in sexual and reproductive health services, Australia is taking a bold step toward ensuring every woman and girl has the power to make informed choices about their bodies and futures.”
"This strategy is a game-changer for sexual and reproductive health and rights in our region." — Merewyn Foran, Executive Officer of MSI Asia Pacific
Australia has committed to increasing investment in sexual and reproductive health services, with a focus on accessibility and rights-based approaches. The Towards Universal SRHR in the Indo-Pacific (TUSIP) initiative, highlighted as a case study in the Strategy, exemplifies this commitment. Through TUSIP, the Australian Government, in partnership with nongovernment organisations including MSI Asia Pacific, is expanding access to contraception, education and, where legal, safe abortion across the region.
A commitment to accountability and leadership
At a time when global pushback against gender equality is on the rise, the Australian Government’s clear stance on sexual and reproductive health and women’s rights is both urgent and necessary. The Strategy’s focus on accountability, funding transparency, and locally driven solutions ensures that commitments translate into real impact.
As we celebrate this milestone, MSI Asia Pacific remains committed to working alongside the Australian Government and partners to ensure that the Strategy delivers tangible change. By centring sexual and reproductive health and rights, investing in local leadership, and championing gender equality on the global stage, Australia has reaffirmed its position as a leader in advancing the rights of women and girls.
Together, we can build a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration, but a reality.
