Returned women workers celebrated on International Women’s Day

Women who leave the comfort of their homes to support their families were recognised and celebrated today as leaders at the heart of communities during an International Women’s Day event focused on returned workers and entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the celebration, Australian High Commission Deputy High Commissioner Clair McNamara highlights the courage and resilience of women who travel overseas under the labour mobility schemes to provide for their families.

McNamara says these are women who take on new skills, new environments and new responsibilities, showing every day that empowerment is not just a theory but a lived experience.

She says International Women’s Day is especially meaningful because it does not only celebrate women in high-profile leadership roles, but also women leaders at community and family levels, describing them as the heartbeat of both countries.

McNamara adds that the event brings together returning workers from the Labour Mobility Scheme and celebrates the ways in which the Vuvale Partnership shapes economic pathways and transforms lives, particularly for women and girls.

She stresses that true women empowerment is not simply about providing opportunities, but about ensuring women have the support, safety and systems they need to thrive.

Meanwhile, Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh says women are fundamental to national development and every woman has the right to safe and decent work.

Singh emphasises that women have the right to equal opportunity, fair wages, protection from discrimination or harassment, as well as maternity protection and work-life balance.

He says these rights are especially important for returned women workers who have travelled overseas under labour mobility programmes.

Singh adds that these women have worked far from home, supported their families through remittances, gained valuable skills and represented the country with pride, and therefore their rights must be safeguarded both locally and abroad.

The Minister further states that when women are given equal opportunity and equal access, businesses grow stronger and communities prosper.

He says justice means fairness in both law and practice, and when women’s rights are violated, there must be accountability.