Tonga’s Internal Affairs Minister Lord Vaea has delivered a clear and urgent message on behalf of the Pacific Islands Forum at the UN ESCAP Asia-Pacific Ministerial meeting, highlighting both the progress and the challenges faced in advancing gender equality in the Pacific region.
Lord Vaea emphasised the collective commitment of the 18-member regional bloc to a future where peace, security, gender equality, and social inclusion are foundational values.
He framed the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action in 2025 as a crucial moment for self-reflection.
“In 2025, the world will celebrate 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action, a groundbreaking policy agenda aimed at recognising women’s human rights, achieving gender equality and empowering women globally.
“It is a pivotal moment for us as a global community and as Asia Pacific region to reflect on how we have progressed and to challenge ourselves to continue to improve the lives of women and girls in all their diversity in our own countries and the region,” he said.
Lord Vaea acknowledged the strides made by Pacific nations under frameworks like the Revitalised Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. These efforts have resulted in increased women’s participation in business leadership—surpassing global averages—and growing female representation in decision-making roles.
“Pacific women are leading the way in business and across sectors,” he noted.
“We have seen significant gains, but these achievements don’t mean our work is done. We still face significant gaps, especially in areas like education and economic empowerment.”
According to Lord Vaea, gender parity in education has largely been achieved, but more focus is needed on early childhood development and tertiary education access for women and girls. Poverty reduction and economic empowerment are also key priorities, with initiatives underway to extend parental leave and promote gender-responsive social protection policies.
Despite progress, Lord Vaea was frank about the enduring challenges. Sexual and gender-based violence remains a “grave concern” in the Pacific, with high rates of domestic and family violence persisting even where legal protections exist.
The emergence of technology-facilitated gender-based violence has added a new layer of complexity.
“Prevention and access to support services are crucial,” he said.
“We must address the evolving threats, including those linked to technology. Protecting women and girls from all forms of violence is non-negotiable.”
Climate change, he stressed, remains the greatest threat to the region, disproportionately affecting women and girls, particularly those in remote and maritime areas. “Climate impacts exacerbate existing inequalities,” Lord Vaea said.
“Women and girls who depend on natural resources for their livelihoods, especially those with disabilities, are hit hardest.”
He also highlighted the importance of universal health coverage, including reproductive health and cancer screening, citing nuclear legacy issues that continue to impact the region.
For the Pacific to meet its sustainable development goals, Lord Vaea emphasised that the participation of women and girls is non-negotiable. He also called for continued cooperation from global partners to achieve the vision set out in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
“We cannot achieve our leaders’ vision alone.
“The future of the Pacific is interconnected with the global community. Gender equality is central to our prosperity, and we must ensure no one is left behind,” Lord Vaea said.
