New Zealand urged to do more to support women in the Pacific

The New Zealand Government has been asked whether it is doing enough to support women in Pacific countries following the recent Pacific Islands Forum held in the Cook Islands. Across the region, about two thirds of women have been assaulted by a partner or family member, the highest number in the world.

New Zealand has reduced its funding for women's programmes in the Pacific by nearly half over the last four years. Funding has been cut to many organisations including a women's centre in Luganville, Vanuatu, which had been funded by NZAID since 1995 but had its money cut off two months ago. The aid focus of the New Zealand Government over the past four years has been on economic development.

Australia has announced it will spend $A320 million over 10 years to support women in the region.

"Although positive steps have been taken in many Pacific Island countries, sexual and gender-based violence remains an entrenched and widespread human rights challenge in the Pacific", said Sumi Subramaniam, Director of Family Planning International and spokeswoman for Women’s Rights and Advocacy in the Pacific (WRAP).

Dennis McKinlay, Executive Director at UNICEF NZ said, "Violence against women impacts children, it teaches them that violence is acceptable behaviour and this becomes perpetuated through generations. It is good that these issues are being addressed as it has been a long overlooked problem in the Pacific."

The Pacific region (excluding New Zealand and Australia) also has the lowest rate of female political representation in the world, 3.5%. Former Prime Minister Helen Clark and administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, says Pacific countries will not fully develop until women's rights and gender equality become top priorities.

Media

'Gender equality issue in Pacific - Clark', Radio NZ, 9/9/12

'NZ urged to do more for women in the Pacific', Radio NZ, 8/9/12

'Leaders 'will need to address' situation of Pacific women', Voxy, 31/8/12