The Pacific Women in Maritime Association (PacWiMA) is being re-launched this week at a conference organized by IMO and the Pacific Community (SPC) (11-15 April). Hosted by Tonga and supported by New Zealand, the conference reinforces the regional commitment for a Pacific Platform for Action on Advancement of Women and Gender Equality. By developing targets and indicators on women’s rights and gender equality, this provides regional support for the global commitment for sustainable development through empowering women.
The conference will highlight women’s economic contribution and leadership in the Pacific maritime sector and help place women in the maritime sector on the agenda of the transport and energy ministers’ meeting to be held in Tonga in 2017.
PacWiMA was established in 2005, under the auspices of IMO, through the Pacific Community’s Regional Maritime Programme. Its aim was to create a regional support system to raise awareness of issues concerning women’s empowerment and gender equality. Despite the success of some national associations, it became inactive due to a lack of funding and other issues. The conference will discuss its constitution, structure, activities and the development of national chapters. Some 80 women from the Pacific region are attending the conference.