Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa highlighted the essential contributions of Pacific women in advancing transformational change across the region, during his address at the ongoing Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). He acknowledged the significant efforts of women who challenge societal norms, advocate for justice, and work to reshape policies to reflect their communities’ realities.
Waqa emphasized that achieving gender equality goes beyond merely addressing rights and justice; it is vital for the sustainable development and overall prosperity of the Pacific region. He referred to the 2050 Strategy, which underscores the integral role gender equality plays in ensuring lasting peace and successful development.
He praised the commitment of nations like Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and Fiji, which are actively presenting their progress to the CEDAW Committee, reinforcing their dedication to fostering gender equality. Waqa also encouraged observer countries participating in the discussions to engage deeply, promoting peer learning and collective commitment to these issues.
This sentiment of collaboration resonates with a broader movement within the Pacific region, especially as upcoming sessions of CEDAW are set to take place in Suva, marking the first time the committee will meet outside of Geneva. This is seen as a significant opportunity to amplify the voices of Pacific women and integrate their perspectives into global discussions on women’s rights.
The commitment to combating gender-based violence and enhancing women’s political representation remains a pressing issue, with two-thirds of women in the region experiencing violence in their lifetimes—double the global average. Furthermore, women occupy only 8% of parliamentary seats, highlighting the need for ongoing advocacy and action to overcome these barriers.
As the region embraces these new dialogues and collaborative opportunities, there is a hopeful perspective that significant strides can be made towards genuine gender equality and improved conditions for women and girls. The upcoming Pacific Technical Cooperation Session aims to catalyze meaningful discussions that could lead to lasting changes and advancement of women’s rights across the Pacific.
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