08/03/2026
Five years ago, for International Women’s Day, our first post recognised a remarkable local woman-Natasha Stott Despoja.
Since then, there’s been plenty of water under the bridge, and Natasha’s work and influence have continued to grow. So this year, we thought it was the perfect moment to revisit her story and share an update on what she has been achieving in the years since.
As always, we’re proud to acknowledge inspiring people connected to Adelaide’s western suburbs-individuals whose dedication, leadership and service continue to make a difference in our community.
Natasha Stott Despoja AO is a former Australian politician, diplomat, gender equality advocate and author.
Natasha was a federal Senator for South Australia (1995-2008), a political party leader, Ambassador and Royal Commissioner. She recently completed her role as a Professor in the Practice of Politics at ANU.
In 2020, Natasha was elected by the General Assembly of the United Nations as a member of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).she was re elected in 2024 for a four year term.
In 2024, Natasha was appointed to lead the South Australian Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, which handed down its findings in August 2025.
Natasha was the founding Chair of Our Watch (2013-2021) and served as Australia’s Global Ambassador for Women and Girls (2013-2016), working to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment around the world.
She is the new President of Australian Volunteers International, a non-executive Director of The Australian Ballet and Carrie’s Beanies for Brain Cancer. She is also a member of the Broad Agenda 50:50 by 2030 Advisory Group and the George Washington Global Women’s Leadership Council.
As a Senator, she held the portfolio of Higher Education for the duration of her tenure. She was President of the Student’s Association of the University of Adelaide many years ago and served on ANU Council for five years.
In 2001, she was named a Global Leader for Tomorrow by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and, in May 2018, she was named one of the Top 100 Global Influencers on Gender Policy.
Natasha is an Honorary Visiting Research Fellow at The University of Adelaide and has been awarded honorary doctorates from The University of Adelaide and UniSA.
Natasha Stott Despoja AO
Expert Member, UN CEDAW
President, Australian Volunteers International
The Australian Ballet Board
Carrie’s Beanies for Brain Cancer Board