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Pacific Women Triennial Conference – Health of Women and Girls
“Our challenges are similar, our aspirations are shared ... one of those is the empowerment of women and girls in all their diversities and to reach gender parity in our region.”
These are the words of President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), Her Excellency Dr. Hilda C. Heine, during her keynote speech on the first day of the 15th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women. She addressed over 300 Pacific women and men as well as other stakeholders, attending in-person on Majuro, RMI, and participants online.
“We need every woman’s ability, we need their talent, and we need their dreams of what is possible in the Pacific,” she added.
Over the next three days, Pacific women in all their diversity with a range of stakeholders will be discussing the region’s collective progress towards gender equality as well as challenges and opportunities for accelerated action.
“We have the policies and legislation, why aren’t we shifting the dial as we need to? This week will be an unpacking... so ask the critical questions to guide our services to you, our member countries and territories,” encouraged Mereseini Rakuita, SPC’s Principal Strategic Lead – Women and Girls.
The prioritisation of women’s health is embedded in the PPA and revitalised PLGED as well as a range of national and international commitments.
Limited resources for health systems often hamper implementation of such commitments – however, many Pacific Island countries and territories have identified the need for both enhancing funding streams as well as broader gender responsive budgeting measures.
“We are working to address cultural barriers and ensure comprehensive sexual education reaches all girls, particularly in rural areas,” shared raised Honourable Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, Minister for Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communication. “Tonga also recognises the unique healthcare needs of women with disabilities.”
“We are committed to ensuring their access to inclusive health services and facilities. By embracing a collaborative approach, we can ensure comprehensive and sustainable improvements in health and gender equality across the Pacific region.”
By Wednesday, civil society representatives and government delegates will adopt the conference outcomes, detailing a list of priority actions for the Pacific – including specific recommendations for ensuring the health and wellbeing of Pacific women and girls.
The 15th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women takes place from 22 – 24 July, followed by the 8th Meeting of Pacific Ministers for Women on 25 July, and the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting on 26 July.
Useful links:
https://www.spc.int/15-Triennial-Conference-Pacific-Women
For more information, please contact:
Samantha Rina, Communications, Visibility and Engage Officer, Human Rights and Social Development Division, Pacific Community (SPC) | [email protected]
Background
Every three years, leaders, representatives from civil society organisations, and development partners from the Pacific region gather to assess advancements in gender equality. Known as the Triennial Conference of Pacific Women, this gathering marks a crucial milestone in the region’s ongoing pursuit of gender parity.
Since its inception more than 40 years ago, and the adoption of the Pacific Platform for Action for Gender Equality and Women’s Human Rights 2018 – 2030 (PPA), the Triennial Conference of Pacific Women is today the primary mechanism for monitoring the progress outlined in the Pacific Platform for Action.
This year, the 15th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women is being convened in Majuro, capital of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, with the theme ‘An Piliñliñ Koba Kōṃṃan Lọmeto – For A Resilient And Sustainable Pacific’.
