Welcome to the fourth annual International Women’s Day special edition of Australian Outlook! International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women, acknowledge the specific challenges women face, and think critically about the ways in which these challenges can be addressed.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s passing; Brisbane’s 2032 Olympics bid; Australia-Republic of Korea Senior Officials Policy Dialogue; and more.

The disaster created by COVID-19 is not gender neutral. This is not due to the characteristics of the virus, but rather the government’s policy responses to the pandemic itself.

Vietnam’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic was highly effective. If Vietnam includes more gender experts in its COVID-19 economic recovery, it could emerge as a leader for gender equality in the region.

In Mozambique, conflict and displacement is not so distant. An International Committee of the Red Cross delegate reflects on the ethics of respecting the dignity of communities, while trying to share their story.

Menstruation matters in the lives of billions of people around the world who deserve thoughtful and effective support. How can efforts to tackle “period poverty” rise to the challenge?

The bitter battle against COVID-19 in China has allowed women’s needs to be understood by the public. This has provoked a wide range of reflections towards the awarded masculinity and stigmatised femininity in the face of national security.

The International Committee of the Red Cross “Restoring Family Links” programs seek to reconnect families separated by conflict. Implementation challenges in the form of gender bias are ever present.

Of the thirteen women who have headed their government or state in Asia, only one has no traceable connection to a notable political dynasty. While female leadership is progressive on their surface, Asian countries must make significant strides to reap the manifold benefits of female-led societies.

Refugee women’s vulnerability and agency are not mutually exclusive. Some refugee women in the Global South exhibit meaningful agency despite their vulnerable position in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.