Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher will attend the 2nd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Women Leaders Meeting in Suva, Fiji from 31 August – 1 September.
The Minister will be joined by the Ambassador for Gender Equality, Stephanie Copus-Campbell AM, to represent Australia at the meeting.
"The Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting will be an important opportunity for me to engage with leaders from across the Pacific on the work the Albanese Government is doing to deliver gender equality in Australia and also to hear from others about the work they are doing in their respective nations," Minister Gallagher said.
"Many of the issues women face are not unique to Australia and are also felt acutely across the region.
"Women's safety and economic security in our region is a matter that is front of mind for the Australian Government and the government's record investments both in Australia and internationally in support of gender equality demonstrate this commitment as we work together on this shared challenge".
This investment includes investments to tackle regional challenges, with $170 million invested over 5 years to improve gender equality and women's safety in the Pacific.
"Australia is proudly working in partnership with the Pacific to advance gender equality. This meeting will give us the opportunity to listen and work with our Pacific partners on our common challenges and shared goals," the minister said.
"It is critical that we use this new mechanism within the Pacific Islands Forum to work together to address inequalities, eliminate gender-based violence and support women and children in the Pacific.
"Australia is committed to a revitalised Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration that drives gender equality outcomes in our region".