Bishop wants action on domestic violence

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says Australians must unite to tackle the insidious evil of domestic violence at home and abroad.

Speaking at an International Women's Day event in Sydney, Ms Bishop said combating violence against women was a key pillar of gender equality foreign policy.

"We must tackle that dark, often silent challenge of violence against women if we are to eliminate that insidious undermining of the very fabric of our society," she said on Wednesday.

"No society is immune, but in parts of our region it is endemic.

"We are working with women in Fiji, in Solomon Islands, in Tonga, in Vanuatu, who are leading grassroots organisations to tackle violence against women and girls."

Speaking on gender equality more broadly, Ms Bishop said there were a myriad of barriers and biases to overcome.

She highlighted equal pay and opportunity, childcare, parental leave, superannuation and savings as key areas to address.

Ms Bishop said respect and a drive to "dream big and aim high" were fundamental to securing equality.

"Gender equality is not just the purview of government, nor of business. It is a matter for each one of us," she said.

"Each one of us can take steps, take action, in our own lives to embrace gender equality.

"The future of this country lies in the hands of young Australian men and women equally - let that be our legacy to the next generation."