The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is set to hold its first-ever regional technical cooperation session in Fiji from 7 to 11 April. This landmark event will focus on advancing gender equality in the Pacific, with active participation from Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu.
For the first time, the Committee is taking its engagement outside Geneva and New York, enabling direct dialogue with key stakeholders in the region. Government ministers, human rights experts, civil society organisations, and national human rights institutions (NHRIs) will come together to assess progress and address challenges related to the implementation of the CEDAW Convention.
“This historic moment allows us to deepen collaboration with Pacific Island nations and strengthen efforts towards gender equality,” said Nahla Haidar, Chair of the Committee. She reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to supporting the three participating states in eliminating gender discrimination and encouraging non-member nations to ratify the CEDAW Convention.
Key issues on the agenda
In addition to country-specific discussions, the session will include side events on pressing gender-related concerns, such as:
- Gender-based violence and protection mechanisms.
- Political participation and leadership opportunities for women.
- Sexual and reproductive health rights in Pacific communities.
- Climate change and its impact on women’s livelihoods.
The week-long event will be co-hosted by the Pacific Community, the UN Human Rights Pacific Regional Office, UN Women, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, and the University of the South Pacific. Sessions will take place at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Campus.
Press conference and public engagement
A press conference featuring the CEDAW Committee Chair is scheduled for 7 April, from 10:00 to 10:15 am (Suva time) at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, near the Drua Conference Room. Media representatives will receive an official invitation via the Fiji Department of Information.
The full schedule of meetings is now available online, and observers can connect remotely through a registration link.
This session marks a significant step in regional cooperation towards gender equality, providing a platform for countries to share best practices, address policy gaps, and drive meaningful change for women and girls in the Pacific.
