Where thinking and working politically meets gender – tactics that have worked
Questions that repeatedly come up when supporting reform programs include: how do we work with local politics to influence change without reinforcing existing elitism and capture of power? How do we “dance with the system” whilst at the same time trying to change the system? When do we go with the grain and when do […]
TrackGBV: Pacific Island Country Reports 2000-2021
Society has become accustomed to seeing headlines reporting on cases of gender-based violence (GBV) that have made it to the courts where justice has not been served. Suspended sentences based on arguments grounded in rape myths and sentence reductions based on character references irrelevant to a perpetrator's violent offending are all too common. For victims/ […]
NGO Shadow Report on the Status of Women in Samoa: 4th & 5th Periodic Reports of State Parties (2005-2009)
This report by 17 NGOs is a summary of findings presented to the Samoan government with recommendations, in a spirit of partnership. A wide range of issues is covered, including but not limited to sexual discrimination against women, the advancement of women, women’s education, health and women in public and political life. The report is […]
Pacific Perspectives Policy Brief 01-2014 Putting Gender Equality Centre Stage in the Pacific
It is long past the time to reap the benefits that economic empowerment of women can bring to indiviual women, their families and the economy. This policy brief examines how to put gender equality centre stage in the Pacific. It discusses using temporary special measures (TPMs), gender mainstreaming and how highlighting the costs of gender […]
To Make a Difference: Realities of Women’s Participation in Papua New Guinea Politics
The fundamental challenge for PNG in the next decade or more is that women are by far the majority of those denied their political rights. Two crucial components of a democratic system are a democratic state and a democratic civil society. The prevailing conditions in PNG do not allow such a system. The state is […]
Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates: A Tool for Political Stability
This paper examines the use of the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPPAC) four years on (2001-2004) from its enactment to its implementation. Some have questioned its effectiveness or workability, or even stated it has failed. This paper argues that OLIPPAC is a worthwhile tool for creating political stability. The […]