During a high-level panel discussion at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, Mereseini Rakuita, the principal strategic lead for Pacific Women and Girls at the Pacific Community, revealed alarming statistics regarding violence against women in the Pacific. She noted that two out of three women in the region have experienced some form of violence at some point in their lives.
Reflecting on the progress made since the establishment of the Beijing Platform for Action three decades ago, Ms. Rakuita acknowledged that although significant strides have been made, challenges remain—particularly gender-based violence, which continues to be a pressing issue in the Pacific. She emphasized that gender equality is increasingly being viewed as a fundamental aspect of both regional and national development agendas, underscoring the importance of acknowledging these issues within their policies.
Ms. Rakuita recognized the commitment shown by national governments in the Pacific, highlighting their efforts to create policies that underscore the importance of gender equality. Despite noticeable progress, she emphasized that gender-based violence still poses a critical challenge that affects all sectors of the economy.
When discussing women’s representation in leadership positions, she pointed out that globally, around 27 percent of parliamentary seats are held by women, while in the Pacific region—excluding Australia and New Zealand—that figure drops significantly to just 7 percent.
Moreover, Ms. Rakuita emphasized the necessity of developing distinct policies and programs tailored to meet the unique needs of women, particularly those working in the informal sector. Addressing these challenges is crucial for fostering a more equitable and inclusive environment for women in the Pacific.
The ongoing discussions around these critical issues reflect a growing awareness and commitment to initiate change. By prioritizing gender equality and addressing violence against women, there is hope that significant improvements will be made in the lives of Pacific women and the prosperity of the region as a whole.
Summary: Mereseini Rakuita from the Pacific Community reported during a panel in Bangkok that two-thirds of Pacific women have faced violence. While progress has been made in gender equality, significant challenges remain, including low representation in leadership roles and the unique difficulties faced by women in the informal sector. Highlighting the commitment of national governments, she called for tailored policies and programs to provide support for women, fostering hope for positive change in the region.
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