The World Bank’s recent Pacific Economic Update reveals that approximately half a million working-age women in the Pacific are not participating in the labor force, making them largely invisible in numerous sectors. The report emphasizes that addressing this issue is not only a matter of equity but could also significantly enhance household incomes, stimulate private sector growth, and contribute to long-term economic sustainability.
Economic growth in the region is facing challenges, primarily due to slow global growth and climate-related shocks. However, the World Bank suggests that increasing women’s participation in the workforce represents a unique opportunity for Pacific nations to build resilience and promote economic advancement. Senior economist Ekaterine Vashakmadze stated, “While Pacific nations can’t control global shocks, there is an opportunity to build stronger domestic foundations.”
Currently, only 42.7% of working-age women are engaged in the Pacific labor market, which contrasts sharply with male participation rates. Closing this gender gap could lead to an estimated increase of more than 20% in GDP per capita across the region.
The report highlights several barriers that hinder women’s participation, including the lack of supportive institutions, inadequate family-friendly policies, and cultural norms restricting their professional opportunities. Notably, initiatives like Women in Tech Fiji are emerging to enhance women’s roles in sectors such as digital entrepreneurship, reflecting broader efforts to close the gender gap.
The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive policy reforms aimed at increasing women’s workforce engagement. As Pacific nations work toward enhancing economic participation for women, there is hope for a more inclusive and prosperous future, benefiting all societal segments. Investing in women’s economic empowerment is thus seen as a fundamental strategy for achieving a resilient and equitable economy in the Pacific.
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