UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet AC was appointed as an honorary Companion of the Order of Australia last month during her three-day visit to Australia. Ms Bachelet was appointed to the Order by Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, as Chancellor of the Order of Australia, during a special ceremony at Government House.
The award recognises Ms Bachelet’s outstanding global leadership in the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women, and her eminent service to Australia-Chile bilateral relations. Her visit to Australia follows an announcement earlier in 2012 that Australia has secured a position on the UN Women Executive Board from 1 January 2013. As the first Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Ms Bachelet continues her commitment to ensure that the lives of women throughout the world are improved, especially in developing countries. (Source: UN Women)
