Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti Teo underscored the significance of data in ensuring effective implementation of gender equality policies during a reporting session with UN CEDAW experts held in Fiji. The meeting marks Tuvalu’s presentation of its combined 5th and 6th periodic reports since ratifying CEDAW in 1999.
In his address, PM Teo highlighted the common hurdles faced by Pacific nations, particularly in utilizing data to track and assess the effectiveness of CEDAW’s implementation. He conveyed a commitment to collaborate with regional agencies to fill existing gaps in data analysis, stating, “We don’t have a robust data system at the moment, so we’re not able to collect and analyze the necessary data to better inform our gender equality policies. We hope to partner with an organization to assist us in this area.”
The Pacific sessions, being held at the Pacific Islands Forum, have seen an increase in collaboration among nations, notably with the Solomon Islands and Fiji, which are also preparing for their CEDAW reporting. These sessions have been designed to foster discussions that include key thematic areas such as gender-based violence, political participation, and the intersections of gender with faith and culture.
Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Baron Waqa, praised the strong attendance from Pacific delegations, reflecting a united commitment to gender equality across development agendas, as he noted the historic value of hosting the CEDAW committee outside of Geneva. He remarked, “This is a moment to celebrate the presence of CEDAW technical experts in the Pacific,” emphasizing the alignment of these discussions with the leaders’ vision for a future that “leaves no one behind.”
Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection of Fiji, Sashi Kiran, echoed these sentiments, expressing pride in the collaborative efforts among Pacific nations, while the Cook Islands’ associate minister Tehani Brown highlighted the importance of preparing for future CEDAW discussions by ensuring local voices are amplified in global conversations.
As Tuvalu, along with Fiji and the Solomon Islands, engages in this critical dialogue, there is palpable hope that these discussions will yield actionable insights and foster a more equitable environment for women across the region. The blend of regional collaboration and technical support promises a bright future in the pursuit of gender equality in the Pacific, paving the way for sustained progress and resilience.
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