Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

Working Together for Women’s Empowerment through Research, Learning and Networking

The fifth Pacific Women Annual Learning Workshop concluded today, following three days of engagement, learning, and discussion on best practices in addressing gender equality and women’s empowerment in Papua New Guinea. 

The annual workshop is for partners of the Australian Government’s Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development (Pacific Women) initiative, working to promote women’s leadership, economic empowerment, and violence prevention and response. 

Delivering a keynote address, Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor Andrew Egan highlighted the importance of all Pacific Women partners’ work to support Australia and Papua New Guinea’s shared commitment to empowering women in Papua New Guinea. 

“Australia and Papua New Guinea both recognise that violence against women and girls is a key constraint to women’s full participation in economic, social and political life,” Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor Egan said. “Our partners’ knowledge, expertise and hard work are central to the progress made by the Pacific Women programs. Thank you for being here to share your views and experiences.”

Over two hundred participants attended the Workshop, including implementing partners, Government of Papua New Guinea representatives and development organisations. 

Drawing participants from all parts of Papua New Guinea, Australia, Fiji, and across the Pacific, the workshop was an opportunity to network and engage in meaningful discussions, present research, and share experience and learning with each other. 

The activities were run by local leaders, groups, organisations, international NGOs and multilateral organisations committed to promoting gender equality in Papua New Guinea. 

The Pacific Women program supports over 25 activities in targeted locations in Papua New Guinea to promote women’s leadership and economic empowerment, and to strengthen the national response to violence against women and provide expanded support services. 

The annual workshop supports Pacific Women’s efforts to enhance knowledge and evidence, and informs policy and practice. Interested members of the public were also able to gain a deeper understanding of the work and progress across Papua New Guinea.

Australia is committed to working with the Government of Papua New Guinea through Pacific Women partners to improve opportunities for women and girls in Papua New Guinea.

For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100

Participants at the Pacific Women Workshop in Port Moresby.