BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, also the current chair of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF), Jeremiah Manele, assures PIF’s collective commitment to tackle and address gender equality in the Pacific region.
He gave the assurance whilst speaking on behalf of PIF to mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action at the UN General Assembly in New York this week.
The Prime Minister highlighted PIF’s commitment to gender equality, while he informed the assembly that PIF also celebrated its leadership legacy.
He said a year before the Beijing Platform for Action, the Pacific region launched the Pacific Platform for Action, boldly placing gender equality at the heart of Pacific region’s agenda.
While challenges remain, Manele said that the resilience of Pacific women and girls is driving real progress.
“More girls are completing school, women are accessing economic opportunities, and health systems are being improved.
“Reproductive health, including human papillomavirus vaccination and cervical cancer screening, is progressing.
“Across the region, gender equality is increasingly being reflected in national reports and budgets. Women’s leadership role across sectors is increasing,” he said.
However, the PIF Chair stressed that more needs to be done to elevate women in politics and decision-making roles.
“As one Blue Pacific, we are laying the foundation for the establishment of a regional gender equality monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning plan to close data gaps, guide action, and ensure no one is left behind. Gender equality and climate action are interlinked.
“Across the Pacific, gender roles in various sectors and policies are not just about shaping change, but driving change,” he emphasized.
Moreover, Manele shared that new forms of violence, including tech-facilitated abuse, is already stretching PIF’s capacity to respond meaningfully. Stressing bold partnership is needed to address this growing issue.
He also stated the Pacific is reviewing its regional disability framework to ensure persons with disabilities are recognized and provided with more inclusive spaces.
“As one Blue Pacific continent, we stand united to reaffirm our promise that women and girls in our region can live in peace, security, and dignity.
“Women’s role in peace and security is critical to be aligned with the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, underpinned by the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration,” Manele said.
The chair reaffirms the Pacific region’s commitment to multilateralism, the Beijing Plan of Action, as they will continue to place gender equality central to every decision they take in shaping our future.
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