Women’s voices key to Pacific progress

Gender equality and social inclusion are central to an inclusive Pacific future, according to Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa. Speaking at the Forum Women’s Leaders Meeting, Waqa urged a shift from policy discussions to concrete actions that deliver meaningful change for Pacific women and their communities.

Waqa highlighted that gender equality extends beyond mere representation, emphasizing the critical need for women to possess a stronger voice in decisions shaping the region's destiny. "This means safer homes, stronger livelihoods, better access to services, and a more equal voice in the decisions that shape the future of our region," he stated. He also connected gender equality to strengthening families and communities, grounding it in Pacific values of mutual respect, collective care, and shared responsibility.

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This means safer homes, stronger livelihoods, better access to services, and a more equal voice in the decisions that shape the future of our region. It also means strengthening families and communities through the issue grounded in Pacific values of mutual respect, collective care, and shared responsibility.

The Forum Secretary General underscored the urgency of these efforts, particularly as the Pacific faces mounting economic pressures. The PIF Women’s Leaders’ Meeting is actively addressing key regional issues to guarantee that women, girls, and vulnerable populations receive adequate support, especially during periods of crisis and economic instability.

Solomon Islands Minister for Women and Youth, John Maneniaru, noted that the meeting builds upon previous regional dialogues concerning inclusive leadership. He explained that the ministerial retreat, alongside discussions with civil society, the private sector, and the EU, reinforced the importance of collective, value-based, and inclusive leadership that embraces intergenerational perspectives. The gathering underscored a growing regional commitment to transforming gender equality pledges into tangible outcomes for women and communities across the Pacific.

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This primary and formal part of the big women leaders’ meeting follows the ministerial retreat, as well as robust civil society, private sector, and EU dialogues. The Ministerial Retreat yesterday reinforced the importance of collective, value-based and inclusive leadership that recognises intergenerational leadership.