Dr Anna Cody, Sex Discrimination Commissioner, will Address the National Press Club of Australia in partnership with Women in Media on “All voices, equal futures: A vision for gender equality in Australia.”
Blurb:
Australia is at a turning point in the fight for gender equality. Rates of domestic, family, and sexual violence are rising, and the safety of women and girls is front and centre in both national politics and public conversations. We are seeing this play out in our parliament, on our news channels, in Netflix shows and through nationwide protests. While we have seen progress, including landmark reforms in workplace sexual harassment and the paid parental leave scheme, there is more work to be done.
Two years into her term as Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Anna Cody will deliver a powerful address on the future of gender equality in Australia.
Dr Cody will challenge the structures that perpetuate inequality and call for leadership that reflects the diversity of our communities. This call will draw on the importance of recognising and respecting people’s full identities and lived experiences. She will explore how real change means involving men in these conversations and in leading change, sharing care responsibilities, and calling out harmful behaviours.
This is a vision for a safer and more equal Australia, where everyone – regardless of gender, race, ability, or identity – is seen, heard, and respected.
Bio:
Dr Cody is Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner, commencing her term in September 2023. She has extensive experience as a lawyer, academic, and human rights advocate – where she worked with United Nations committees to hold governments accountable for their human rights obligations, including Australia.
Prior to her role as Sex Discrimination Commissioner, she was Dean of the School of Law at Western Sydney University for more than four years, championing inclusive education and research that reflects the diversity of our communities.
Her career includes being Director at Kingsford Legal Centre, roles with Caritas Australia and the Centre for Economic and Social Rights in New York, and board positions at Community Legal Centres Australia and the Legal Aid Commission NSW. Dr Cody holds degrees in Arts and Law, a Master of Laws, and a PhD in Law. In 2016, she received the Australian Human Rights Award (Law) for her outstanding contribution to justice.
