The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) in collaboration with the Pacific Community (SPC), has hosted its first ever Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) Forum at the FFA Conference Centre in Honiara.
Over three day, the forum has facilitated discussions among over 60 leaders and representatives from FFA and SPC Members, civil societies organisation, the private sector, and development partners to deliberate on gender disparities and promote inclusivity.
Opening addresses were delivered by Nuie Minister of Fisheries Hon. Mona Ainu’u, Cook Islands Hon. Minister Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown, FFA Director General Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen and SPC Principal Strategic Lead – Pacific Women and Girls Mereseini Rakuita.
‘We need to continue to encourage more participation, not because we want to compete with men. When we co-create, we can achieve many greater results. When we work together, we grow stronger and smarter,’ said Mona Ainu’u as the forum opened.
The forum includes plenary sessions, breakout discussions, and interactive panels to discuss pressing issues such as data gaps in women’s contributions, market development equity, and inclusive governance structures.
One of the forum’s core objectives is to enhance the participation of all stakeholders, especially women and marginalised groups, in fisheries management and development processes. This includes developing supportive environments where these groups can effectively participate in decision-making.
‘We know there are different cultural aspect of each Pacific countries with the ocean has been there from our forefathers to today. Today, we stand united to address challenges amongst women in the fisheries sector. We acknowledge the need to rectify gaps in fisheries and ensure the equitable participation and decision-making. Moreover, we are committed to empowering small-scale fish entrepreneurs, particularly women by removing barriers to market access and providing them the necessary. Through open dialogue we can aim to create a way of equitable and sustainable for all,’ Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown said.
‘We are one Pacific people sharing one ocean that connects us. Connecting our dreams. Connecting our destinies. Our challenges are the same. Our aspirations are shared ones,’ said Mereseini Rakuita.
‘The rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that clothe us and the strength and resilience of Pacific people provide us with a unique pathway to unlocking sustainable economies within the Blue Pacific Continent.’
The forum’s aims are to spark meaningful conversations about diverse historic challenges such as recognition, increase in roles for women and socio-economic contribution of women to fisheries that have historically stalled the recognition and quantification of women’s roles and socio-economic contributions in fisheries.
The Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme addresses some of the most serious challenges faced by the region. Among these are the increasing depletion of coastal fisheries resources; the threats to marine biodiversity, including negative impacts of climate change and natural disasters; the uneven contribution of oceanic fisheries to national economic development; the need for improved education and training in the fisheries sector; and the need to mainstream a rights-based approach and to promote greater recognition of gender issues within the sector.
This seven-year programme is funded by the European Union (€35 million) and the government of Sweden (€10 million). The programme provides direct assistance to regional organisations to support regional and national level activities in the Pacific.
