Over two days, Pacific governments, civil society, youth, and community leaders engaged in meaningful dialogue during the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee). This event featured thematic sessions, including five talanoa discussions and a consultation focused on draft General Recommendation No. 41 concerning gender stereotypes.
The sessions addressed critical issues such as enhancing women’s political leadership, breaking societal stereotypes, safeguarding children’s rights, empowering youth, and ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities. Each dialogue highlighted the challenges Pacific peoples face and the bold actions necessary for advancing gender equality in the region.
Mereseini Rakuita, Principal Strategic Lead for Pacific Women at the Pacific Community, emphasized the importance of a holistic national approach to creating pathways for women in leadership roles, stating that all sectors of society must participate in this effort. The discussions reaffirmed collective solidarity in combating violence against women and girls, a sentiment echoed by Shamima Ali from the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and Livai Sovai from the Government of Nauru.
Youth perspectives were notably powerful during the sessions, with young advocates calling for immediate implementation of CEDAW principles in local contexts, insisting on their roles as current leaders rather than waiting for permission to act.
A critical part of the consultation explored how cultural and religious norms contribute to entrenched gender stereotypes, which perpetuate discrimination against women. Heike Alefsen, Pacific Regional Representative of OHCHR, emphasized the need to recognize both the rich cultural landscape of the Pacific and the associated challenges of long-standing stereotypes. This was further expanded by Rose Te Hani Brown from the Cook Islands, stressing the necessity of engaging traditional and religious leaders in the development of effective new policies.
The voices of women leaders from Organizations of Persons with Disabilities were integral, shedding light on accessibility issues and discrimination. Their narratives demonstrated resilience and highlighted their contributions to community development.
CEDAW Committee Chair Nahla Haidar remarked that the insights shared during these thematic sessions were invaluable, informing the Committee about the key issues facing Pacific communities and enhancing their understanding of the interplay between culture, religion, and human rights.
The session was attended by representatives from 15 Pacific Island countries, marking a significant moment for personal and national reflection, concluding with a call for inclusive leadership and partnerships to drive gender equality forward.
As the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session continues, with further engagements planned with Tuvalu, Solomon Islands, and Fiji, there is a hopeful anticipation that these dialogues will pave the way for concrete actions toward achieving gender equality in the region.
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