Policy Dialogue on Shared Decision-Making and Women’s Leadership in the Pacific
Overview of Event
Background
Women across the Pacific remain significantly underrepresented in national and sectoral leadership and governance structures. Despite regional commitments to gender equality, barriers such as discriminatory social norms, limited leadership pathways, and gaps in policy and legal frameworks continue to restrict women's participation in public decision-making.
To help address these challenges, a Pre-Conference Policy Dialogue in the first half of 2026 to inform a Regional Conference on Shared Decision-Making and Women's Leadership planned for the fourth quarter of 2026 is being proposed. Outcomes from the dialogue will also help shape longer-term regional approaches to women's leadership.
Purpose
The Policy Dialogue will bring together researchers, policy makers, regional organisations, UN agencies, women's rights organisations, governments, and development partners to explore practical and evidence-based strategies to strengthen women's leadership across the Pacific.
The dialogue will provide a platform for:
- Strategic reflection and knowledge exchange
- Reviewing evidence and emerging trends
- Identifying practical policy and institutional reforms
- Exploring regional cooperation and programming opportunities
- Informing recommendations for the 2026 Regional Conference