Sydney, Australia – August 12, 2024 – Loau Donina Va’a, CEO of Samoa’s Ministry of Women, Community, and Social Development, and Chair of the Pacific Women Professional Business Network (PWPBN), delivered an impactful presentation at the FDC-Lowy Institute Pacific Panel. Her speech centered on the significant “Pacific Wins” in advancing Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) throughout the region, particularly highlighting Samoa’s and PWPBN achievements.
Loau Donina underscored the substantial progress Samoa has made in embedding GESI principles into its national framework:
- Legislative Achievements: Samoa has positioned itself as a leader in the Pacific by ratifying key international agreements such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and enacting pivotal national legislation like the Labour and Employment Relations Act 2023. These legal milestones ensure that gender equity is not just an aspiration but a reality in workplaces and communities across Samoa.
- Leadership Milestones: Under Samoa’s current government, the nation has witnessed historic advancements in female leadership, including the appointment of its first female Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa. The increase in women holding senior executive roles and board positions is a testament to the country’s commitment to fostering inclusive governance.
- District Development Project (DDP): The DDP represents a groundbreaking initiative that allocates 1 million tala annually to each of Samoa’s 51 districts. With 20% of this funding now dedicated to projects that advance gender equality, the DDP ensures that GESI is central to the development process, empowering women and marginalized groups to play a pivotal role in shaping their communities.
PWPBN: A Catalyst for GESI Across the Pacific
Loau Donina also highlighted the unique contributions of the Pacific Women Professional Business Network (PWPBN), a grassroots movement that has become a catalyst for GESI across the Pacific. Originating from a small gathering in Sydney, PWPBN has grown into a powerful network that mobilizes women without relying on external funding. Through its heart-led approach, PWPBN addresses the real needs of Pacific women, offering mentorship, resources, and platforms to amplify their voices and initiatives.
The network’s responsiveness was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when PWPBN swiftly rallied support across sectors to meet urgent government needs. This ability to adapt and respond to crises, while maintaining its core focus on empowerment, underscores PWPBN’s vital role as a lifeline for Pacific women.
A Vision for the Future: Embedding GESI in the Pacific’s Identity
In her closing remarks, Loau Donina Va’a called for continued commitment to GESI, urging that it be woven into the very identity of Pacific societies. She emphasized that the region’s future depends on leaders who are dedicated to creating lasting change through inclusive and equitable practices.
As she concluded, Loau Donina left the audience with a powerful message: “Pacific wins are GESI wins. Let us continue to lead with courage, ensuring that gender equality and social inclusion remain at the heart of our progress.”