Advancing Women, Peace and Security in the Pacific
Women in the Pacific Islands region have been playing a leading role at both the policy and grassroots levels in peacebuilding, the economy and climate action. However, progress has been uneven. The 2019 Women, Peace and Security Index highlighted that the Pacific Islands region, including Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, has among the highest rates of violence against women in the world, among other constraints. Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea currently have no women representatives in the national parliaments.
Join leading experts and practitioners for a discussion of challenges facing women’s inclusion, justice and security in the Pacific Islands, strategies for overcoming persistent barriers, and entry points across policy and practice to advance progress for women and girls.
Please RSVP on eventbrite to receive the Zoom link. This event will also be livestreamed on GIWPS’ facebook page.
Opening remarks by:
Ambassador Julie-Ann Guivarra
Ambassador for Gender Equality, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia
Panel discussion with:
Dr. Jeni Klugman
Managing Director, Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security
Dr. Fiona Hukula
Gender Specialist for the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and Former Senior Research Fellow, Papua New Guinea National Research Institute (PNGNRI)
Dr. Jacqui True
Professor of International Relations and Director, Monash University’s Centre for Gender, Peace and Security
Ms. Sharon Bhagwan-Rolls
Fijian Women’s Rights Advocate and Chairperson and Gender Liaison, Board of Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict
Ambassador Melanne Verveer (moderator)
Executive Director, Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security
This event is co-hosted by The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security and The Embassy of Australia.