Pacific leaders are gathering today to address how diverse Pacific cultures can both progress or block gender equality and the critical contributions by women to progress climate justice and sustainable livelihoods.
The series of two gender and culture events being held at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) in Hawai’i are the ‘Gender and culture - Closing the gap on gender equality’ high-level talanoa followed by the ‘Gender and Culture – Technical Panel.’
“Senior Pacific leaders are reflecting on catalytic actions that could pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future for women and girls in Pacific Island countries and territories,” said Mereseini Rakuita, Principal Strategic Lead for Pacific Women and Girls at the Pacific Community (SPC).
“As one Pacific, we need to delve deeper into the intricate relationship between our diverse cultures and concepts of gender equality, recognising culture has both the potential to block transformative change while also being a powerful enabler for women's empowerment and societal progress,” Ms Rakuita said.
“By exploring how cultural norms and values can either hinder or propel gender equality initiatives, these FestPAC culture and gender high-level discussions seek to shed light on untapped opportunities where cultural practices can be harnessed to drive positive change,” she said.
Both gender and culture events take place at the Hawaii Convention Centre, Level 4 Kalakaua Room:
- 1.20-2.20 pm High-level Talanoa: ‘Gender and culture - Closing the gap on gender equality’.
- 2:50-4 pm Panel: ‘Gender and Culture – Technical Panel’.
PART 1: ‘Gender and culture - Closing the gap on gender equality’
The high-level talanoa is being moderated by Dr Audrey Aumua, Chair of the Pacific Women Lead Governance Board and Chief Executive Officer of The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ.
Talanoa with speakers:
- Hon. Sonya M Talagi, Minister for Social Services, Niue.
- Hon. Jess Gasper Jnr, Minister for Culture and Internal Affairs, RMI.
- Ms. Mereseini Rakuita, SPC Principal Strategic Lead – Pacific Women and Girls.
- Video message from the Governor of Guam, Hon. Lourdes Aflague "Lou" Leon Guerrero.
- Summary of key messages and reflections: Mary Hattori, Executive Director, Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) East West Center
PART 2: ‘Gender and culture – Technical panel’
This panel of technical specialists is being moderated by Dr James Viernes, Deputy Director PIDP. Panellist speakers:
- Ms. Wynetta Dewis, Executive Director of Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Services.
- Mr. Simione Sevudredre, Fiji.
- Millicent Barty, Entrepreneur, Solomon Islands.
- Ms Siosinamele Lui, Traditional Knowledge Officer, Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
- Reflections, key messages and closing: Ms. Mereseini Rakuita, SPC Principal Strategic Lead – Pacific Women and Girls
The aim of FestPAC’s gender and culture events is to increase awareness and appreciation of the role of culture as a facilitator of gender equality, while clearly identifying areas where cultural norms can intersect with progressive policies to advance women's empowerment in the Pacific region. Through this collaborative dialogue, participants will be encouraged to reimagine traditional gender roles and challenge existing paradigms that hinder the full participation of women and girls across all spheres and sectors.
The gender and culture events are part of the three-day ‘SPC Pacific Arts and Culture Symposium’ being held during FestPAC, from 10 to 12 June. The symposium’s title is ‘Our future is our past - Navigating Sustainable Pacific Futures’ is inspired by the FestPAC 13 theme ‘Ho’oulu Lahui - Regenerating Oceania’ and informed by the aspirations of our member countries as articulated in the Pacific Regional Culture Strategy 2022 – 2032 (PRCS).
The role of women and men in cultural practices is central to FestPAC, the world’s largest celebration of Indigenous Pacific Islanders. Hosted by Hawaii this year with the theme ‘Ho‘oulu Lāhui: Regenerating Oceania’, the first FestPAC was held in 1972 by the Pacific Community (SPC), which continues to be the custodian of the festival. The festival aims to preserve traditional arts and culture while serving as a platform for contemporary Pacific Island artists and innovators to express their creativity and address contemporary issues.
