This literature review identifies assumptions underpinning key questions relating to the appropriateness of donor assistance to activities and programs designed to support democratic governance in East Timor, Fiji, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. The extract commences with a discussion of some underpinning themes and then moves to particular issues relating to the promotion of women into political leadership. The review concludes with a full bibliography of sources used.
This short paper looks at the example of women parliamentarians in Kiribati and Samoa to identify common characteristics of women who have been successful at being elected:
- Coming from a large and influential family provides an important ‘base vote’, willing campaign helpers, and potential financiers. Women MPs also tend to come from political families. That is, one or both of their parents, uncles or brothers have tended to have been in politics and they often act as patrons and mentors.
Lessons from the UNFPA’s process of conducting researching violence against women in Kiribati and Solomon Islands included:
- There is overwhelming evidence that the studies in the Solomon Islands and Kiribati were generally been carried out appropriately and effectively.
- There is an overriding sense of achievement, all field workers came back safely and intact, a phenomenal job was done and an enormous amount of data was collected with high response rates and disclosure rates.
Similarities across the situation analyses in Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tonga include:
- Women with disabilities make significant contributions to their communities. However, while they have similar talents, skills and experience as other women, they may be more often underrecognised and have fewer opportunities.
- Each country has a committed and active disabled persons organisation and a family health association that are in a good position to increase their focus on disability and sexuality.
Outside of national politics, Pacific women are often visible as leaders. The study found that Pacific women from places as far afield as Bougainville and Samoa are leaders in diverse fields including local government, civil service, private business, and civil society.
Opening Doors for Lasting Change – Gender Transformation in Practice – sharing programming approaches that have led to gender transformative change in Papua New Guinea, to inform policy, action and practice to include principles of gender transformation. There is also a detailed video slideshow that highlights key gender transformative approaches and examples, as outlined in the Pacific Practice Note.
Positive gender transformative change is not only possible, it is happening in Papua New Guinea.
This is detailed in the ‘What Works for Gender Transformative Approaches in Papua New Guinea' report.
We don’t whisper anymore – ending violence against women in the North Pacific – a set of two online publications: gender-based violence (GBV) photo book of Herstories and a ‘story of change’ booklet’ featuring the extraordinary women working to establish crisis centres and support services for survivors of gender-based violence.
Savina Nongebatu, a disability inclusion and gender equality advocate in Solomon Islands and member of the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development advisory board, reflects on journey of the program. She shares what, in her view, have been the successes, challenges and work ahead to progress gender equality in the Pacific.
This interview was conducted as part of the production for the Pacific Women Legacy Video: https://youtu.be/NIXyH2L6BHA
Sokotia Kulene, Director of the Tuvalu Gender Affairs Department (GAD), reflects on the work of GAD and the role that the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development has played in supporting such work. He shares what, in his view, have been the successes, challenges and work ahead to progress gender equality in Tuvalu.
This interview was conducted as part of the production for the Pacific Women Legacy Video: https://youtu.be/NIXyH2L6BHA
What makes an effective gender transformative approach, especially in Papua New Guinea? Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development shares learning from 10 years of programming as well as key elements of successful gender transformative change identified by partners in Papua New Guinea. This video is available both in English and Tok Pisin.
Anamalia Falemaka and Ursula Tai reflect on: what an empowered woman looks like; their role model for women’s empowerment; the barriers to empowerment they see; and their vision of empowerment The video was produced alongside ‘Working for Change’ for the Pacific Women Regional Learning Forum on Women's Economic Empowerment.
Asita Molotii started her professional life fixing transmitters and receivers. Today, she is ‘working where [her] interest lies’ as Director of the Gender Affairs Department of the Tuvalu Ministry of Health, Social Affairs and Gender.
Her hope for her country is to ensure that development reaches everyone.
Pulafagu Toiafa’s passion has guided her on a journey. She started as broadcaster, undertook studies in sociology, history and politics then worked in government. In 2004, the post of coordinator for the Tuvalu National Council of Women caught her eye. She applied and has been in the role since.
Petsyio Koau is Program Manager at the Tuvalu Family Health Association (TUFHA). She’s driven by the passion to raise awareness and empower women and youth as well as see TUFHA grow into a well-recognised organisation in Tuvalu.
She shared this video message from the inaugural Tuvalu National Women and Youth Forum, held from 9–13 December. The forum focused on many issues: ending violence against women and girls; advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights; and increasing women’s participation in leadership and ‘Falekaupule’ decision making roles.
Christina “Kiki” Stinnett, President of CWC, reflected on the first six months of operations of the Tongen Inepwineu Counseling Center (TICC) as part of the commemorations. Pacific Women, through its Support Unit, is pleased to support CWC with the production of this video message to mark the occasion.
Pacific Women is proud to join the Fiji Women's Fund and Australian Humanitarian Partnership in supporting Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation and its affiliates to provide additional assistance to Fijian people with disabilities during the dual crises of COVID-19 and tropical cyclone Harold.
‘Attending trainings, I know that my actions speak louder. I am standing here as a deaf person to show you that having many skills has changed my life and I can contribute to my family’s income,’ shares Clera Tegu.
As part of commemorations for International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Pacific Women through Pacific Girl is proud to present this video featuring Ms Tegu. She is one of the many girls in the Solomon Islands who are being supported to develop their confidence, skills and knowledge through the Young Women’s Christian Association’s (YWCA) Girls Rise Up! program.
In a first for the Pacific, several country-specific video animations are available about the safety of women and children in their homes during the current COVID-19 pandemic response. This is the Nauru country animation.
The animations address domestic and family violence which typically increases during times of crisis such as COVID-19.
In a first for the Pacific, several country-specific video animations are available about the safety of women and children in their homes during the current COVID-19 pandemic response. This is the Federated States of Micronesia, Chuuk state animation.
The animations address domestic and family violence which typically increases during times of crisis such as COVID-19.