Promoting women’s leadership and peace building in the Pacific

31 October 2008

Australian funding has contributed to promoting the active participation of women as leaders and peacebuilders in the Pacific.

‘Women, Peace and Security – Policy Responses and Solutions for our Pacific Region’ was launched by the Australian High Commission’s Counsellor – Development Cooperation, Mr James Sweeting, in Suva this morning.

This coincided with the eighth anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 titled ‘Women, Peace & Security’.

Australia contributed F$50,000 for the preparation of the report by fem’LINKpacific, as well as a follow-up policy and media roundtable meeting, in partnership with the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA).

“Women, Peace and Security will serve as an important policy and advocacy tool at community, national and regional level to enable greater participation by women in leadership and decision-making roles,” Mr Sweeting said.

“The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) recognises the importance of women’s contribution to decision-making and leadership. It also recognises the value of full participation by women in peace processes and peacebuilding.”

AusAID is also providing F$250,000 to fem’LINKpacific in 2008-09 to support its on-going advocacy and practical actions towards the full implementation in the Pacific of UN Security Council Resolution 1325.

For example, fem’LINKpacific’s regional media network launched a Resolution 1325 website to complement its regular 1325 ENews Bulletin.

“Work has also started on translating the Resolution into local languages and, for the first time, stories in the Pidgin and Tongan languages about Resolution 1325 are being featured,” Mr Sweeting said.

Australia’s support for the implementation of UNSCR 1325 is a critical part of a long term commitment to achieving Millennium Development Goal 3, which aims to promote gender equality and empower women.


**ENDS**