INSPIRING CHANGE: WOMEN IN THE PACIFIC
the first session of the CWP in Johannesburg in 2013, a holistic approach is needed for change to accelerate. Attitudes towards women and girls must change in the home – boys and men need to be educated about women’s rights. If we do not, we risk depriving our Parliaments – and countries – of the skills and talents of our women. The benefits of gender diversity
are widely recognized to lead to better performance, and of particular benefit to the Parliament, better decision- making, financial accountability and risk-management. It is well accepted that achieving a critical mass of women MPs means that there will be greater prioritization of women’s issues on the political agenda and in policy development. From my own experience in Bougainville, women also play a pivotal role in peace processes and political stability. As Chair of the CWP Pacific
Region Steering Group I support the view that promoting and increasing women’s political participation will not be achieved without clear strategies and priorities or without a coordinated action across the region. Factors which are critical to our success in increasing women’s participation include:
• Strong networks to support women who are currently in decision- making positions and seeking parliamentary election; and • Ensuring women in the Pacific are aware of how they can access support, mentoring and encourage- ment.
I am heartened by the way
The entrance to the Parliament building of Papua New Guinea.
our mission to increase women’s engagement and participation in politics has brought women from the Pacific and Australian CPA Regions together. I am encouraged by the continued cooperation and synchronicity in our work programmes to ensure effective capacity building and gender-sensitive Parliaments. I was very pleased to attend the
The barriers to women entering leadership positions are not unique
to the political sphere; we experience them in the domestic and private
business spheres as well. As I impressed upon participants during
CPA and New Zealand Branch- hosted Gender and Democracy Seminar for the Pacific Region in
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