The “Forum Gender Equality in the Blue Pacific: Regional Report 2025,” recently released by the Pacific Islands Forum, highlights the persistent and significant gender inequalities affecting women and girls across the Pacific. Despite longstanding commitments and regional frameworks aimed at promoting gender equality, advancements remain inconsistent and progress notably slow in many areas.
This comprehensive report assesses gender equality outcomes among the Forum member nations, detailing both progress and challenges across various sectors, including leadership, economic participation, health, education, climate resilience, and the protection against gender-based violence.
The report reveals a substantial underrepresentation of women in political roles throughout the region. Many countries continue to report no female participation in national parliaments, although there have been some improvements in women’s representation within senior public service positions. Unfortunately, this progress is fragile and can be affected by shifts in the political landscape.
Economic disparities also pose a critical challenge. Women’s participation in the formal workforce remains significantly lower than that of men, forcing many into informal, low-wage, or insecure employment. The burden of unpaid care and domestic duties disproportionately impacts women, limiting their opportunities for education and leadership roles. Furthermore, barriers to accessing vital resources like finance and land exacerbate these existing inequalities.
Gender-based violence is a prevalent issue within the region, with alarming rates reported against women and girls. This challenge is not only a significant human rights violation but also an impediment to overall development. Although certain countries have strengthened their legal frameworks and established national action plans, gaps in enforcement and resources persist, particularly in rural and outer island communities.
In the realms of health and education, the report presents a mixed landscape. Remarkable progress has been made in girls’ access to primary and secondary education. However, the report notes concerning gaps in retention rates and transitions to higher education, along with ongoing challenges in sexual and reproductive health services and the overall quality of care provided to women.
The interplay between gender equality and climate change emerges as another crucial focus of the report. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate-related crises, yet their representation in climate decision-making and access to climate financing remains limited. The report advocates for the development of gender-responsive climate policies to enhance community resilience throughout the Pacific.
Despite these challenges, the report identifies several positive developments, including improved regional coordination on gender issues, enhanced policy frameworks, and a growing recognition of the importance of gender data. Community-led initiatives and support for traditional leadership structures are also pivotal in driving positive changes.
To promote meaningful progress, the report urges renewed political commitment, increased investment, and stringent accountability measures to turn commitments into actionable results. Sustainable funding for gender equality initiatives and improved data collection are highlighted as essential, alongside fostering inclusive practices that center on the voices and experiences of Pacific women and girls.
Ultimately, the “Forum Gender Equality in the Blue Pacific: Regional Report 2025” asserts that achieving gender equality transcends social justice and human rights; it is crucial for fostering sustainable development, resilience, and prosperity across the Blue Pacific. This document serves as a hopeful yet sobering reminder of the substantial work still needed to validate women’s contributions and enhance their roles in society.