There is a growing shift in Pacific regional dialogue from high-level economic concerns to grassroots and community-level issues, particularly those affecting women and families.
This observation was shared by Tonga’s Minister of Internal Affairs and chairperson of the Fifth Pacific Women Leaders Meeting, Sinaitakala Tu’itahi.
She said regional discussions were increasingly focusing on issues that reflect everyday realities for Pacific people, including labour mobility, women’s empowerment, and greater Pacific representation in international institutions.
“This is very important to us,” she said.
“Like now, there’s also a discussion around the table about how we can empower more women, get more Pacific (people) into the UN system, into other agencies around the world.
“To probably make more use of our Pacific skills and talents.”
Ms Tu’itahi acknowledged that while economic development remained a critical area of concern, there has been a notable shift in recent years toward issues that impact families, communities, and gender equity.
“Over the years, for many years, we have been discussing economic problems. Now we are coming into it, and we are starting to make some advance and get the leaders to listen and look at us.”
She emphasised the role of women not only in the home but at every level of society, from households to national governance and expressed optimism about the growing attention these matters were receiving.
“We are here. We partner at home as moms and dads, and also at the community level and also at the national level.”
Ms Tu’itahi described this evolution in focus as a step forward, noting that grassroots issues, including gender equality, were gaining the visibility they deserve in national and regional policymaking.
“We are now advancing and making some impacts.
“And I am sure that we’ll get there eventually.”