United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA) Celebrates International Women’s Day and Launches “Dynamic Australian Women Contributing to the UN System” Series

The United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA) is proud to announce the launch of its new series, “Dynamic Australian Women Contributing to the UN System,” in celebration of International Women’s Day. This series highlights the significant contributions of Australian women to the United Nations, from its inception to the present day.

2025 marks the 80th year of the United Nations and the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995). To commemorate these milestones, the UNAA is showcasing the stories of remarkable Australian women who have made a difference on the global stage through their work with the UN.  

The “Dynamic Australian Women Contributing to the UN System” series will feature profiles of women who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and impact within the UN. The profiles will delve into their motivations for joining the UN, their key achievements and impact, the challenges they faced, and their messages for future generations. The series will include profiles of leaders in the formation of the UN, such as Jessie Street, and leaders active today.  

The first women to feature in the series include:

• Jessie Street (1889-1970), a pivotal figure in the UN’s early years. As the only female advisor to the Australian delegation at the United Nations conference in San Francisco in 1945, Street played a crucial role in ensuring the inclusion of ‘sex’ in the anti-discrimination clause of the UN Charter. Her work alongside other prominent figures like Eleanor Roosevelt underscored her commitment to gender equality on an international stage.  
• Ronnie Wilson (1914-2016), one of the first Australian women to work for the United Nations, known for her rapport-building and contributions to peacekeeping missions.  
• Narelle Townsend (1927-2022), who served the United Nations for 40 years across UNDP and UN Habitat, championing youth involvement in urban planning and leaving a legacy of fostering sustainable communities.  

The UNAA hopes that this series will inspire Australians, celebrate the nation’s contributions to the UN, and encourage the next generation to address global challenges through the UN system.  

View the ongoing Dynamic Australian Women series here.

The “Dynamic Australian Women Contributing to the UN System” series is proudly supported by Her Excellency The Governor General Ms Sam Mostyn AC.