About Advocacy

As the founder of Away from Keyboard (AFK) Inc., I am dedicated to empowering children and fostering meaningful connections away from screens. My advocacy extends to ensuring the safety and well-being of young people in the digital age through practical actions and thought-provoking initiatives.

At the state level, I spearheaded two impactful resolutions within the Country Women’s Association (CWA). The first addresses the dangers of extreme and graphic online content accessible to children. It calls for stronger legislative safeguards to protect young minds from harmful material and to promote a safer digital environment. The second focuses on the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital editing in commercial applications, advocating for mandatory disclosure requirements to uphold transparency and consumer trust.

Both resolutions were adopted by the CWA at the state conference and later gained international traction. These initiatives were presented and endorsed at the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) South Pacific Area Conference, demonstrating the pressing need for collective action on these issues.

On the global stage, these resolutions have inspired broader conversations about safeguarding children’s mental health and regulating AI technologies responsibly. They exemplify the power of grassroots advocacy in influencing global policy and fostering ethical practices in the digital era. I will be presenting these resolutions in 2026 at the global Triennial Conference of ACWW in Canada on behalf of South Pacific Area. 

Through AFK Inc., I continue to champion face-to-face connection and advocate for policies that protect and empower children, ensuring they can thrive in an increasingly complex digital world.

In my advocacy journey, I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva. This meeting focused on critical issues related to the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) and the importance of embedding safety-by-design principles into technological innovation.

During the discussions, I raised concerns about the rapid proliferation of AI technologies and their potential to amplify societal risks when not developed and deployed responsibly. Specifically, I highlighted the need for:

1. Transparency and Accountability: Advocating for AI systems to include mechanisms that ensure their operations are transparent and decisions explainable to end-users, fostering public trust.
2. Safety by Design: Emphasising that safety and ethical considerations must be foundational aspects of AI development, rather than reactive measures. This includes addressing risks such as bias, misuse, and unintended harm during the design phase.
3. Protecting Vulnerable Populations: Stressing the importance of safeguarding children and neurodivergent individuals from harmful digital content and manipulative AI-driven technologies.
4. Global Collaboration: Encouraging international frameworks to harmonise regulations and best practices for AI use, given its inherently global impact.

WIPO’s focus on intellectual property provided a unique platform to discuss the balance between fostering innovation and ensuring technologies respect societal values. I advocated for mandatory disclosure of AI usage in commercial productions, aligning with the resolutions I have championed at state and international levels. By ensuring creators are transparent about AI’s role in content creation, we can safeguard both consumers and creators while upholding media integrity.

This meeting underscored the importance of multilateral collaboration in addressing these complex challenges. As technologies like AI continue to evolve, I remain committed to engaging with global stakeholders to ensure innovation prioritises safety, inclusivity, and ethical responsibility.

Sarah Barnbrook is a dedicated advocate committed to enhancing the lives of women and children through multifaceted initiatives. Her efforts encompass leadership roles, policy development, and educational outreach, all aimed at fostering safer and more inclusive environments.

Advocacy and Policy Development

As the founder of Away from Keyboard (AFK) Inc., Sarah promotes offline engagement for children and youth, encouraging meaningful connections beyond digital screens. Her leadership within the Country Women’s Association (CWA) of Victoria, including positions as Deputy State President and Board Member, has been instrumental in driving initiatives that support women and families across the region.

Sarah has successfully championed key resolutions addressing critical issues such as homelessness, the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in commercial applications, and online safety for children. These resolutions have been adopted at state and international levels, reflecting her ability to translate community concerns into actionable policies that resonate broadly.

Published Author and Thought Leader

Sarah is a published author who has contributed insightful articles focusing on digital safety and the ethical implications of technology. Her writings, such as "Paving the Digital Highway: How New Legislation and the CWA of Victoria Are Protecting Our Kids Online" and "Why Safety by Design and the New eSafety Guidelines Are Game-Changers for Our Digital World – And My Top Tips for Staying Safe Online," provide valuable guidance on navigating the complexities of the digital landscape.

Educational Outreach and Community Engagement

Through her work with AFK Inc. and the CWA, Sarah has led educational programs and workshops designed to empower women and children. These initiatives focus on digital literacy, safety awareness, and fostering resilience, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in today's society.

Global Representation and Networking

Advocating for a Safer, More Equitable World at CSW69

The 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) presents a pivotal moment to advance the rights and opportunities of women and girls worldwide. As a delegate for Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific, I am honoured to contribute to this global dialogue, focusing on the transformative power of education, ethical technology use, and gender equity—all key priorities aligned with Soroptimist International’s mission to educate, empower, and enable women and girls.

Soroptimist International’s commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering environments for women and girls resonates deeply with my advocacy experience. At CSW69, I will support this vision by championing:

• Creating Safer Digital Environments: Ensuring that digital spaces are designed with safety in mind, particularly for children and women, by advocating for global policies that prioritise transparency and ethical AI practices.
• Promoting Lifelong Learning: Advocating for access to quality education and training opportunities for women and girls, especially in STEAM fields, to bridge digital divides and foster economic empowerment.

Education is fundamental to the Soroptimist mission and a cornerstone of my advocacy work. By focusing on initiatives that provide tools and opportunities for women and girls, we can:

• Break Barriers to Access: Support policies that address socio-economic and systemic challenges, ensuring that education is accessible, safe, and inclusive.
• Strengthen Leadership Pathways: Promote initiatives that empower women and girls to take on leadership roles, amplifying their voices in policy-making and governance.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advocacy and governance. My leadership roles within the Country Women’s Association (CWA), including as Deputy State President, have involved spearheading initiatives that address systemic challenges faced by women and children. These roles have honed my ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, navigate complex governance structures, and implement impactful policies.

As the founder of Away from Keyboard (AFK) Inc., I have championed programs that encourage meaningful offline engagement for youth, addressing the mental health impacts of excessive screen time. This initiative reflects my broader focus on creating environments where children can thrive safely and holistically.

I have also contributed to global advocacy platforms such as the UN Study Tour in Geneva, and I am a member of networks including the United Nations Association of Australia, International Alliance of Women, and Soroptimist International. These affiliations underscore my ability to bridge grassroots insights with global strategies, ensuring that solutions are informed and inclusive.

Soroptimist International’s statement to CSW69 underscores the importance of education, gender-responsive policies, and safe environments for women and girls. As a delegate, I will align with this statement by:

• Advocating for Equal Opportunities: Supporting gender-responsive budgeting, universal social protection systems, and inclusive policies to address inequalities in education and employment.
• Championing Safety and Health: Promoting access to safe educational environments, healthcare, and protections from violence and exploitation.
• Encouraging Digital Inclusion: Addressing the gendered digital divide by advocating for policies that enhance digital literacy and access to technology for women and girls.

This opportunity to represent Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific is a profound honour. My advocacy draws on years of experience addressing local and global challenges, always prioritising collaboration and shared progress. By working together, we can drive meaningful progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and the commitments of the Beijing Platform for Action.

Let us join forces to create a future defined by opportunity, safety, and empowerment for everyone. Together, we can champion transformative change.