Seymour, Victoria, 1 January 2025 — In recognition of her dedication to advocacy and leadership, Sarah Barnbrook has been selected as a delegate to attend the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York, scheduled to take place from 10 to 21 March 2025. Representing Soroptimist International of the South East Asia Pacific (SEAP), Sarah will join global leaders, policymakers, and advocates to address pressing issues affecting women and girls worldwide.
A Proven Advocate for Change
Sarah Barnbrook has spent years working to support the rights of women and children, drawing on her experience in advocacy, governance, and community service. Her perspective is deeply informed by her role as a carer for a family member with high care needs due to incomplete quadriplegia and her experience in supporting neurodivergent children. Sarah is also an active member of the United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA) and serves on the Status of Women Committee, where she contributes to advancing gender equality and empowering women through thoughtful collaboration and advocacy. These responsibilities have strengthened her understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and neurodivergence, as well as their families. This commitment inspires her ongoing advocacy for inclusivity and accessibility.
As the Deputy State President of the CWA of Victoria, Sarah has shown outstanding commitment to governance and inclusivity. She spearheaded the creation of the new Accessibility Committee by advocating for its establishment and developing its terms of reference. This initiative reflects her commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities, laying the groundwork for future action and meaningful change. This reflects her broader commitment to fostering a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and participate fully.
Sarah has also demonstrated exceptional diligence in supporting governance practices and ensuring the smooth operation of the organisation. In her role as Deputy State President, she has worked closely with the State President to provide support to members across the state. This collaborative approach highlights the organisation’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where members can thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Driving Impact Through Policy and Resolutions
One of Sarah’s hallmark achievements is her authorship of two critical resolutions:
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Graphic Online Content for Children: This resolution called for greater accountability and regulation to protect children from harmful online material.
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Commercial Disclosure for the Use of Artificial Intelligence: This initiative highlighted the need for transparency and ethical practices in the use of AI, especially in commercial spaces that impact vulnerable populations.
Both resolutions were passed at the CWA State Conference and later endorsed at the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) South Pacific Area Conference, where Sarah proudly represented the CWA of Victoria, demonstrating her dedication to creating meaningful change at both local and global levels.
Leadership with Heart
In addition to her advocacy work, Sarah is the founder of Away from Keyboard (AFK) Inc., a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping children disconnect from screens and build meaningful in-person connections. She is also a small business owner, running Board Games and Battlegrounds, a retail gaming shop that specialises in trading cards, where she combines her entrepreneurial skills with her love for fostering community engagement and shared interests. This initiative reflects her deep understanding of the challenges faced by young people in today’s digital age and her proactive approach to addressing them.
Sarah’s volunteerism has been her main focus, reflecting her passion for community impact and meaningful change. As the founder of Away from Keyboard (AFK) Inc., she aspires to grow her not-for-profit organisation to reach more children and families. This vision underscores her dedication to fostering real-world connections and supporting the well-being of young people in today’s digital age. Her recent nomination for the prestigious Women Changing the World Award, a global accolade presented in London, underscores her ongoing efforts to create positive change.
A Global Vision for Women and Girls
As a delegate to CSW69, Sarah Barnbrook will bring her unique perspective and hands-on experience to the international stage. Her work aligns with the Commission’s focus on advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls. She plans to share insights from her community-driven initiatives, collaborate with other advocates, and contribute to shaping policies that will have a lasting impact globally.
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“Attending the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women is both an honour and a responsibility,” said Sarah Barnbrook. “This opportunity allows me to amplify the voices of women and children in our communities, advocate for meaningful change, and bring back actionable solutions to support gender equality at home and abroad.”
Looking Ahead
Sarah Barnbrook’s participation at CSW69 is a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating a world where women and children thrive. Her recent UN Study Tour to Geneva reinforced her understanding that individual actions, no matter how small, contribute to broader local and global impacts. She believes that every person has the potential to be the tipping point for change in the world, and her experiences have reinforced the importance of individual efforts in creating collective impact. Together, through collective action and shared purpose, we are stronger and can achieve transformative progress.
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Barnbrook Email: info@afk.org.au
About the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women The Commission on the Status of Women is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. CSW69 will bring together representatives from UN Member States, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to address critical issues affecting women and girls worldwide.
