Gender equality remains a key policy focus for international donors, Pacific governments, and civil society organizations. However, despite decades of investment, progress has been slow—women continue to be underrepresented in leadership and politics, and domestic violence rates remain high.

Recent research from the Australia Awards Women Leading and Influencing program suggests that part of the challenge lies in how gender equality is framed and implemented. Many Pacific communities perceive gender initiatives as foreign-driven agendas, creating resistance to change. To be more effective, gender equality efforts must align with Pacific values, emphasizing harmony, shared responsibility, and the collective benefits of women’s empowerment.

Another key finding is the need to engage men in gender equality efforts. Many programs focus solely on women, overlooking the fact that men—who often hold positions of power—must be active allies in creating change. Rather than simply building women’s capacity, efforts must focus on opening pathways for women to step into leadership roles, with men supporting and enabling these shifts.

By shifting the conversation to one that resonates with Pacific cultural values and ensuring men are part of the solution, this research highlights new pathways for fostering gender equality in the region.