The fifth Pacific Women Shaping Development (Pacific Women) Annual Learning Workshop opened today, providing an important opportunity for engagement and discussion on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The three-day annual learning forum is for partners of the Australian Government’s Pacific Women initiative.
Delivering the opening address, Chargé d'affaires Caitlin Wilson reaffirmed Australia and Papua New Guinea’s shared commitment to improving the political, economic and social advancement of women in Papua New Guinea.
“Gender equality – through women’s leadership, economic empowerment and the elimination of violence - is key to the economic growth, development and stability of both our countries and our region,” Chargé d'affaires Caitlin Wilson said.
The workshop is part of Pacific Women’s efforts to enhance knowledge and evidence, which will inform policy and practice. It is an opportunity for implementing partners and other stakeholders to meet and engage in meaningful discussions, to present their research, share their experiences and to learn from each other. Interested members of the public are also able to gain a deeper understanding of the work and progress across Papua New Guinea.
Pacific Women 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.
Local leaders, groups, organisations, international NGOs and multilateral organisations committed to promoting gender equality in Papua New Guinea, run these activities.
Australia is committed to working with the Government of Papua New Guinea and 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
Chargé d'affaires Caitlin Wilson opening the Annual Learning Workshop.