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Building inclusive fisheries in the Pacific: Inaugural GESI Forum kicks off with FFA and SPC
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) in collaboration with the Pacific Community (SPC), is hosting its first-ever Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Forum at the FFA Conference Centre in Honiara this week.
Over three days, 9 – 11 April, the forum will facilitate discussions among over 60 leaders and representatives from FFA and SPC Members, civil societies organisation, the private sector, and development partners to deliberate on gender disparities and promote inclusivity.
Opening addresses on Tuesday were delivered by Nuie Minister of Fisheries Hon. Mona Ainu’u, Cook Islands Hon. Minister Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown, FFA Director General Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen and SPC Principal Strategic Lead – Pacific Women and Girls Mereseini Rakuita.
Hon. Ainu’u: “As I've said, women are hard workers. We are all hard workers. It's in our genes. We need to continue to encourage more participation, not because we want to compete with men. When we co-create, we can achieve many greater results. When we work together, we grow stronger and smarter.”
Hon. Toki-Brown: “We know there are different cultural aspect of each Pacific countries with the ocean has been there from our forefathers to today. Today, we stand united to address challenges amongst women in the fisheries sector. We acknowledge the need to rectify gaps in fisheries and ensure the equitable participation and decision-making. Moreover, we are committed to empowering small-scale fish entrepreneurs, particularly women by removing barriers to market access and providing them the necessary. Through open dialogue we can aim to create a way of equitable and sustainable for all.”
Dr Tupou-Roosen: “This forum provides a platform for candid discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving. We will delve into the challenges hindering the quantification of women's roles, empower small-scale fish entrepreneurs and communities, and explore pathways to enhance inclusive participation in fisheries management and development.”
Ms Rakuita: “We are one Pacific people sharing one ocean that connects us. Connecting our dreams. Connecting our destinies. Our challenges are the same. Our aspirations are shared ones. The rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that clothe us and the strength and resilience of Pacific people provide us with a unique pathway to unlocking sustainable economies within the Blue Pacific Continent.”
The forum aims to spark meaningful conversations about diverse historic challenges such as recognition, increase in roles for women and socio-economic contribution of women to fisheries that have historically stalled the recognition and quantification of women’s roles and socio-economic contributions in fisheries.
The forum will include plenary sessions, breakout discussions, and interactive panels to discuss pressing issues such as data gaps in women's contributions, market development equity, and inclusive governance structures.
One of the forum's core objectives is to enhance the participation of all stakeholders, especially women and marginalized groups, in fisheries management and development processes. This includes developing supportive environments where these groups can effectively participate in decision-making.
FFA and SPC are committed to transforming these discussions into actionable initiatives that support the equitable growth of the Pacific fisheries sector.
The GESI Forum is jointly organised by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Pacific Community (SPC), and supported by the EU-funded Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP), the DFAT-funded Pacific Women Lead (PWL) Programme, the GEF-funded OFMP 3 Project, and the MFAT-funded Pacific Fisheries Leadership Programme.
Media Contacts:
Samantha Mattila, FFA Strategic Communications Manager | email: [email protected]
Ernest Ta'asi, FFA Strategic Communications Officer | email: ernest.ta’[email protected]
Clotilde Richalet Szuch, SPC Engagement and Outreach Advisor, Corporate Communications Office | [email protected]
For general media enquiries, please contact [email protected]
About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA):
FFA assists its 17-member countries to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management. Find out more here: www.ffa.int
About SPC:
The Pacific Community has been supporting sustainable development in the Pacific, through science, knowledge and innovation since 1947. It is the principal intergovernmental organisation in the region, owned and governed by its 27 member countries and territories. www.spc.int
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About the Pacific-European Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme:
The Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme addresses some of the most serious challenges faced by the region. Among these are the increasing depletion of coastal fisheries resources; the threats to marine biodiversity, including negative impacts of climate change and natural disasters; the uneven contribution of oceanic fisheries to national economic development; the need for improved education and training in the fisheries sector; and the need to mainstream a rights-based approach and to promote greater recognition of gender issues within the sector.
This seven-year programme is funded by the European Union (EUR 35 million) and the government of Sweden (EUR 10 million). The programme provides direct assistance to regional organisations to support regional and national-level activities in the Pacific. Find out more here: https://peump.dev.
