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go through Nathan Rick*Majuro
Marshall Islands President Dr. Hilda Heine delivers the keynote address on the first day of the 15th Pacific Women’s Triennial Conference. 23 July 2024
photo: Facebook/Pacific-Community-SPC
*This is the third episode of a five-part web series focusing on the 15th Pacific Women’s Triennial Conference taking place in the Marshall Islands this week.
There are calls for Pacific leaders to innovate to achieve gender equality and address gaps in bridging the divide.
Marshall Islands President Dr. Hilda Heine said gender issues could not be addressed in isolation.
“We must also consider how it intersects with our other challenges and opportunities and take gender equality into account when developing policies and approaches,” Heine said at the 15th Pacific Women’s Triennial Conference, which ends today.
“Our journey to gender equality requires Pacific leadership to be intentional, innovative and bold in addressing the gaps we see in our efforts.
“We must take risks, forge new partnerships, and remain steadfast in our commitment to achieving substantive gender equality in the region.”
The triennial event is the latest in a series first proposed in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea in 1974. It will be attended by government representatives from across the region and will be followed by a Pacific Women Ministers’ Meeting.
“We have come a long way in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in the Pacific,” Heine said.
“In 1975, almost 50 years ago, 80 women from across the Pacific came together in Suva to discuss the forces that shape women’s social power.”
The first meeting of 80 women identified family, culture and tradition, religion, education, media, law and politics as thematic areas worthy of attention and discussion.
Heine called on Pacific Island women to play their role as mothers, nurturing and building societies and driving nation building.
“Mothers help to raise and structure society, and thus a nation,” Heine said. “That’s our role. That’s what we do. It’s in our DNA.”
“Current women leaders stand on the shoulders of those who came before them, many of whom knew nothing about PPA or feminism; yet their roles required them to engage and push boundaries; likewise, current women leaders have a responsibility to train and mentor the next generation of women leaders, the leaders of the future.”
Involve men and boys
A study covering 31 countries found that 60% of men aged 16 to 24 believed that equality for women was discriminatory against men.
“This finding is disturbing and while the study did not include Pacific nations, it is important that we take note and continue to look for ways to better engage our men and boys in gender equality efforts across our region,” said Miles Young of Pacific Communities.
Young said men and boys must be part of the journey to understand that gender equality benefits everyone.
“Given that women are still relatively underrepresented in our parliament and at the highest levels of decision-making in the private sector, this week may be an opportunity to discuss restarting the conversation on affirmative action — or what some are calling temporary special measures,” he said.
He noted that the meeting was also attended by Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo, Marshallese Minister of Women’s Affairs Jess Gasper, United Nations Senior Adviser on Women Asger Rhyl and “many other men committed to gender equality.”
“This could be an opportunity to discuss how to more effectively engage men and boys in promoting gender equality,” Young said.
Women from the Pacific region make up 8.8% of parliamentarians (54 MPs), up from 4.7% (26 MPs) in 2013.
Yang said the Pacific Community stands ready to work with you and our development partners to support your decisions and the outcomes of the conference.
“This commitment reflects the highest priority the SPC places on supporting gender equality in the region.”
*Nathan Rick is a veteran Pacific journalist. He is currently in Majuro, Marshall Islands, covering the 15th Pacific Women’s Triennial Conference.
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