Natasha Stott Despoja AC is a globally recognised leader in gender equality and a trusted advocate for the rights of women and girls. As a member of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) since 2021, she brings deep expertise in advancing international standards and accountability on gender equality.

Natasha previously served as Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls, where she progressed the country’s global gender equality agenda through advocacy, public diplomacy and strategic engagement. She is the founding Chair and now Patron of Our Watch, Australia’s national foundation to prevent violence against women and children, and played a pivotal role in developing the nation’s first prevention framework.

Her leadership extends across global institutions, including contributions to the United Nations High Level Working Group on the Health and Human Rights of Women, Children and Adolescents, and the World Bank Gender Advisory Council. She is also the author of On Violence, a powerful examination of the systemic nature of violence against women.

Entering Federal Parliament at just 26, Natasha was the youngest woman elected at the time. Her career has been defined by a commitment to increasing women’s representation in leadership and decision-making, both in Australia and globally.

As an Ambassador for Australians Investing in Women, Natasha brings a wealth of experience, credibility and influence to advancing gender-wise approaches to capital and systems change.