The Queen uses her CHOGM address to promote women

It isn't often that Australia gets a visit from a member of the Royal family, but for just over a week that is exactly what has been happening in and around the nation.

The Queen has been doing her best to mix it with the locals in a ten-day tour leading up to the bi-annual Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2011.

But before weighing into some fairly heavy political debates at the conference she was also seen in Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne.

Her Royal Highness has so far charmed the country's political elite during audiences with the prime minister Julia Gillard, leader of the opposition Tony Abbott and governor general Quentin Bryce.

Also, on her list of people to see were representatives from the who's who of Australia's local arts, cultural, sporting and entertainment industries.

Acclaimed actor Geoffrey Rush enjoyed a tete-a-tete with her majesty, as did racing legend Bart Cummings, the Paralympic gold medallist Kurt Fearnley and indigenous leader June Oscar.

Yet it was the women of Perth and the crowds that turned out in their thousands in order to get a sneak peak at one of the world's most renowned women, that left the greatest impression.

In her CHOGM address the Queen reflected on the hospitality of Australians, her time travelling here and the importance of women to the Commonwealth. 

"The theme this year is 'Women as Agents of Change'. It reminds us of the potential in our societies that is yet to be fully unlocked, and it encourages us to find ways to allow all girls and women to play their full part," she said.

It was also clear that her messages was intended to promote the role of women in society, as well as increasing their access to and participation within important decision-making processes.

The Queen finished her own speech with a reference to an Aboriginal proverb, which she felt summed up the take away message form the meeting.

She told audience members: "We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love … and then we return home."

The first CHOGM was held in 1971 and so far 21 cross-national events have been held in and around the Commonwealth, while this year's event was held in Perth from 28 to 30 October.

The Building National Resilience, Building Global Resilience conference saw commonwealth leaders come together to discuss sustainable development, climate change and food security. 

Photo credit: Copyright CHOGM 2011