Advancing Women’s Leadership in the Coral Triangle

ADB’s 50th Annual Meeting, Yokohama, Japan
7th May 2017 | Civil Society Program

Panelist

• Agnetha Vave-Karamui, Ministry of Environment, Climate, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Government of Solomon Islands
• Geua Kevau, Pari Women’s Development Association, Papua New Guinea
• Jasmin Mohd Saad, Coral Triangle Initiative Regional Secretariat
• Xianbin Yao, Director General, ADB Pacific Department

Moderator

• Robyn James, The Nature Conservancy Melanesia Program and Gender Expert

Summary

The Coral Triangle Initiative Women Leaders Forum (CTI-WLF) have recently been profiled at the 50th ADB Annual Meeting – Civil Society Program session on 7th May 2017 in Yokohama, Japan.

The CTI-CFF objectives and targets to preserve and manage marine resources have been supported by donor governments, development organizations, and NGOs since 2007. The Women Leaders’ Forum (WLF) aims to establish a network of women, recognize women leaders, empower women in decision-making, and promote gender mainstreaming.

Ms. Jasmin Saad highlighted challenges for women in inter-governmental organizations, including continuity of programs, recognition, peer-network availability, gender mainstreaming, and equal opportunities. WLF’s strategies include creating a platform for women, expanding partnerships, involving men as advocates, investing in youth, private sector partnerships, and mainstreaming gender.

CTI encourages ADB to maintain long-term relationships to support SDG 5 and invest in youth in all future CTI programs.

Other panelists highlighted challenges and best practices for women in their workplaces. Ms. Agnetha and Ms. Lourdes shared government perspectives, Ms. Geua Kevau highlighted women’s struggles in Papua New Guinea, and Mr. Yao emphasized economic contributions of women and youth.

Panelists agreed that gender mainstreaming must be integrated at all planning stages, youth should drive women’s agenda, men should act as supporters, and boys should be educated to respect potential of the opposite sex.

For more information, visit: https://www.adb.org/annual-meeting/2017/events/womens-leadership-coral-triangle