As speaker on the GEF global panel addressing gender equality as an accelerator to revitalise Small Island Developing States (SIDS) economies, SPC’s Principal Strategic Lead – Pacific Women, Mereseini Rakuita, explained how: “We know from research that – on average overall – working women spend more of their income on their families compared with men.”
“To unleash the full potential of our economies, we need to unleash the economic power of all women,” Ms Rakuita said.
“Sustainable economic development is central to addressing some key challenges facing us as small island developing states, such as climate change, humanitarian emergencies, debt crises, and rising food and energy prices. It is critical that gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls lie front and centre of the solutions we seek.”
Watch the SIDS GEF video featuring SPC’s Mereseini Rakuita: https://bit.ly/4azO7Iy
In the GEF video, produced by UN Women, Ms Rakuita explains: "Climate change isn't gender-neutral. Women and girls are on the front lines, bearing the brunt of its impacts. They face increased risks from natural disasters, food insecurity, and displacement".
“But they're not just victims or survivors: they're agents of change".
“Their voices matter. Their experiences matter. We must listen to women and girls when crafting solutions for a more resilient and sustainable Blue Pacific."
The SIDS GEF is from 25-26 May (Antigua and Barbuda timezone, or 26-27 May Fiji time), and the 4th International Conference on SIDS from 27-30 May, in Antigua and Barbuda.
More details from UN Women: https://bit.ly/4dXcdjm
