On Monday 12 August 2024 we hosted the FDC-Lowy Institute Pacific Panel with leading experts and practitioners on advancing gender equality in the Pacific Islands. We heard from those making a positive difference in the region and why gender equality is essential to addressing local and global challenges
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Special introductory remarks were delivered by the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Senator the Hon Penny Wong.
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The panel was moderated by Dr Jessica Collins, Research Fellow on the Pacific Islands Program at the Lowy Institute, with special guest speakers from around the region including:

‍Stephanie Copus Campbell AM - Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality.

‍Lailanie Burnes - Westpac Women in Business Executive “Manager of the Year” awardee; host of Fiji’s first dedicated women’s sports television program Soaring Marama; World Rugby Women in Rugby Leadership Scholar; Fijian Drua and Super Rugby commentator; and former captain, Fijian Women’s Rugby team.

‍Dr Fiona Hukula - Gender Equality Policy Adviser, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Former Senior Research Fellow and Programme Leader Building Safer Communities, PNG NRI, former Deputy Chair PNG Constitutional and Law Reform Commission.
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‍Loau Donina Va’a - CEO, Samoan Ministry for Women, Community and Social Development; Chair, Pacific Women’s Professional and Business Network; former Board member, NSW Council for Pacific Communities; and founder of the first Pacific Women’s Network in Australia.

Panellists discussed progress towards Pacific women’s advancement drawing on their experience in business, leadership, sport and economic empowerment, sharing inspirational stories of success and thoughts on where further gains can be made.
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This Pacific Panel was supported by the Foundation for Development Cooperation, which established the FDC Pacific Fellowship in conjunction with the Lowy Institute.‍