The Pacific Islands Forum, along with CROP agencies and key development partners, is set to host a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) week from February 10 to 14, 2025. This initiative aims to bolster efforts towards gender equality and social inclusion across the Pacific region.
The GESI Week serves as a dedicated platform for fostering collaboration among CROP agencies, UN partners, and civil society, supporting the governments of the Pacific Islands Forum in crucial intergovernmental dialogues at both regional and global levels. This gathering will promote meaningful discussions and sectoral dialogues, providing opportunities for member governments and stakeholders to cooperate on important priorities, share best practices, and gain a deeper understanding of shared challenges.
PIF Secretary General Baron Waqa emphasized the significance of GESI Week, stating, “This event highlights the Blue Pacific’s leadership role in enhancing gender equality and social inclusion, which are essential for sustainable and equitable development.” He reiterated the commitment shown by Pacific leaders towards these values during a meeting held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, in 2023, where they endorsed the revitalized Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration (PLGED).
The revamped PLGED stresses the shared responsibility of both men and women—and boys and girls—in striving for a Pacific Region characterized by peace, harmony, security, and prosperity, enabling all Pacific individuals to lead healthy and productive lives.
This initiative comes at a crucial time, aligning with ongoing global dialogues about gender equality, marked by the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Pacific feminist Sharon Bhagwan-Rolls noted that despite notable progress over the past three decades, significant gaps remain, and sustained efforts are still required to address these ongoing challenges.
As nations prepare for key discussions surrounding gender equality, the upcoming GESI Week stands as a beacon of hope for continued progress and collaborative efforts in the Pacific Islands, encouraging inclusive dialogue and commitment towards overcoming systemic barriers that hinder advancement for all genders.
With relentless advocacy and the engagement of diverse sectors, there is optimism that continued cooperation will lead to positive change, paving the way for a more equitable future in the region.
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