The triennial conference of Pacific women wrapped up after four days of deliberations in Suva agreeing to a comprehensive list of thirty-three recommendations and outcomes.

One of the areas of focus was the need to compile data on women’s contribution to economics, unpaid work, care and conditions of work to name a few.

Minister for Women Mereseini Vuniwaqa acknowledged the importance of research to better inform governments.

“The lack of data here in our nation to drive and inform policy making, we see that as a challenge and I’m glad that it’s come out very strongly in the outcomes document as well.”

Director General for the Pacific Community, Dr. Colin Tukuitonga highlighted that another key strategy for the conference was the finalisation of a revised Pacific Platform for Action set out a 12 year roadmap.

“To make sure that policy, legislation, programs and services have a clear and explicit set of expectation with respect to measures that we think would drive gender equality.”

Around 300 delegates from 19 countries attended the workshop which was themed on the economic empowerment of Pacific women.