The long journey – political acceptance of women
2 March, 2016

The long journey – political acceptance of women

The Pacific is still struggling to get women into parliaments across the region. Mary Jack Kaviamu recently contested the 2016 Vanuatu national snap election in the Tanna open constituency. Although she failed to secure a seat, she clearly hasn't given up. For Mary and her supporters, the journey has just begun. Here she relays her experience, particularly the challenges encountered on the way.
Women as peacemakers during conflict
21 May, 2015

Women as peacemakers during conflict

Pacific women have played vital roles in peacemaking although they have been neither consulted, nor included, in formal peace talks. Betty Gigisi recalls how she and four other women risked their lives to meet Harold Keke in the height of the 1998- 2003 ethnic tension in the Solomon Islands.
Missing Voices
28 April, 2015

Missing Voices

Legislative changes in PNG to have more women in parliament, if successful, could change the culture of 'Bigman' and money politics by 2017, writes Dulciana Somare-Brash. But broad community support is not yet guaranteed in the lead up to parliaments verdict on its appropriateness.
How CEDAW impacts some Pacific cultures
21 April, 2015

How CEDAW impacts some Pacific cultures

Kalafi Moala examines how this important global initiative to protect women and promote gender equality has been adopted in Pacific island states, as Tonga remains one of the last to ratify it. Tonga’s ratification comes with conditions.