Women’s Participation in Peace Negotiations and the Durability of Peace There is an emerging consensus that women’s participation in peace negotiations contributes to the quality and durability of peace after civil war. However, to date, this proposition has remained e...

5/5 If the goal is lasting peace—whether in the Middle East, the Pacific, or anywhere else—women can’t be an afterthought.

Peace (and democracy) needs women from the very beginning.
#DemocracyNeedsWomen #Bougainville #PapuaNewGuinea #WomensHistoryMonth

www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....

*Not an endorsement of policy. I don’t pretend to be a Middle East expert.

Just here to amplify another well-spoken, level-headed woman in the room. 🎤

#DemocracyNeedsWomen
#EmpoweredWomenEmpowerEomen

🔹 Token representation isn’t enough. The anti-corruption impact emerges when women have meaningful legislative influence.

Want to learn more?

Follow #DemocracyNeedsWomen on LinkedIn!
www.linkedin.com/company/democracyneedswomen

🕊️ On Nuclear Victims Remembrance Day, we honor the Marshall Islands communities. We remember that security decisions have human costs. That accountability, transparency, and partnership matter. And the women who bore disproportionate impacts still deserve a seat at the table. #DemocracyNeedsWomen

#Democracy is more than #elections. And women’s political participation isn’t a side issue.

It’s an economic governance issue. It's a democratic issue.

And #DemocracyNeedsWomen to help make policies that benefit everyone in #PapuaNewGuinea.

#politics #economicempowerment #goodgovernance

Financial regulation is not gender-neutral. When reforms are designed without women, compliance systems overlook the realities of informal and small businesses. If women are absent from reform discussions, the burden of change will fall on them—without their voice shaping it. #DemocracyNeedsWomen

Papua New Guinea one step away from being blacklisted, global money laundering watchdog warns The Financial Action Task Force has placed PNG on its "grey list" due to "strategic deficiencies" in government oversight, but the Prime Minister Marape says the country will "work its way out".

If blacklisted PNG faces higher transaction costs and slower donor flows. That also means:
💼 Even less access to credit for women than today.
💸 Rising import costs for mostly women market vendors.
👩🏾‍💼Locally focused, women-led CSOs will have heavier compliance burdens

#DemocracyNeedsWomen

Pacific women scholars call for ‘radical’ shift in global health systems The researchers say colonial power structures continue to shape global health systems, undermining Pacific leadership.

#DemocracyNeedsWomen — including in global health.

Pacific women scholars are calling out how colonial power structures still dominate global health systems, sidelining local and Indigenous expertise. This isn’t just about health—it’s about sovereignty, justice, and democracy.

#PacificLeadership

Thank you for your interest in partnering with #DemocracyNeedsWomen! Dear Democracy Champion, During my years leading democracy programs across the Pacific Islands, I have repeatedly heard the same frustration: there are not enough women in elected office. Many women ...

📣 Calling all #Democracy champions across the #PacificIslands! 🌏

Do you believe #DemocracyNeedsWomen? Then join us!

I'm seeking:
✅ Paid #consultants & #contractors
✅ Volunteer experts & academics
✅ Local NGOs & CSOs for partnerships

Submit your #ExpressionOfInterest👇
forms.gle/PX6s7LNQq3Rf...

#democracyneedswomen

Bougainville advocacy group prepares record number of women for election The Leitana Nehan Women's Development Agency says it is happy that there are 34 women who will contest next month's election.

The soon-to-be independent Autonomous Region of Bougainville in #Papua New Guinea is doing some remarkable things to ensure women comprise a proportionate share of its elected government. Read below for more on why #DemocracyNeedsWomen.

#elections #governance #peace #independence #PacificIslands

Marshall Islands President warns of threat to Pacific Islands Forum unity "I believe firmly that the Forum belongs to its members, not countries that are non-members," the Marshall Islands President says.

#MarshallIslands Hilda Heine, alongside leaders from #Tuvalu and #Palau - the last three PICs that recognize #Taiwan - doesn't want non-member countries to interfere with the #PacificIslandsForum policies. And that includes Taiwan.
#DemocracyNeedsWomen #PacificIslands #PacificForum #Geopolitics

Including Women at the Peace Table Produces Better Outcomes Women's participation improves peace negotiations, but they are too often excluded. Between 1992–2019, women made up 13% of negotiators, 6% of mediators, and 6% of signatories in major peace…

Women comprise half of the world's population. Why did they only comprise 16% of the peace negotiations in 2022, when the likelihood of peace agreements lasting longer than 2 years is 20% more likely when women participate?

#DemocracyNeedsWomen #PeaceNeedsWomen

Fiame takes legal action Caretaker Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa has filed a formal police complaint against Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party Chairman Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, following public…

🇼🇸 Samoa's Elections this week are dominated by:
👉 Discredited allegations of murder against the caretaker Prime Minister
👉 Challenges lodged against matai (chief) and voter residencies
👉 The rights of village leaders prohibiting political party activities
#samoa #elections #democracyneedswomen

Tuilaepa urges FAST to declare bus owner Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) leader and former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has criticised the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party over the use of two large…

“They should declare who owns the buses,” said Tuilaepa. “It’s an ugly matter. That’s the reality.”

#Samoa #SamoaElections2025 #SamoaElections #democracy #elections #DemocracyNeedsWomen

Challenge against Lealailepule and Pepe struck out The Electoral Court has struck out the candidate challenges against Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) candidates, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi and Pepe Christian Fruean.Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua…

"Stowers and Ale were ordered to pay $2,000 as court costs. The court delivered its decision on Thursday morning."

#Samoa #SamoaElections2025 #SamoaElections #democracy #elections #DemocracyNeedsWomen

Solomon Islands bylaw empowers chiefs to block child marriage In Koleasi, a remote village in Central Guadalcanal, traditional leaders now have the legal backing to stop child marriage and escalate cases of abuse.

For more information on efforts civil society organizations and advocates are taking to combat child marriage and gender-based violence while empowering women in the Pacific Islands, continue to follow me here!
#DemocracyNeedsWomen #PacificIslands #EmpoweredWomenEmpowerWomen

Climate change ruling a win for Cook Islands women - Wichman Cook Islands National Council for Women president Vaine Wichman, who made a submission to the ICJ during a hearing in December last year, welcomed the decision.

Pre-existing gender inequalities and women's roles in society result in disproportionate effects of climate change on women worldwide. That's no more evident than in the Pacific Islands. The ICJ ruling to hold polluters accountable may change that.

#DemocracyNeedsWomen #climatechange #ICJruling

Samoa election: Political parties make big promises on health, welfare and economy As campaigning ramps for the next month's polls, Samoans are being promised free public healthcare, cash payments for families, job creation schemes, and major infrastructure investments.

#Samoa shocked the region in 2021 by ending 20+ years of one-party rule. Now, the stage is set for snap elections—with 7 parties vying for power. And the political shake-up likely isn’t over yet. Follow me for more coverage until election day on August 29th.

#DemocracyNeedsWomen #politicalislands

Over 400 candidates contest Bougainville Parliamentary election | PINA More than 400 candidates have put their hands up to contest the Bougainville general election in September, hoping to enter parliament.

Bougainville’s independence push is set to shape the campaign through Sept. Seven men are running for president—down from 25 last time, including two women. Follow me here for more updates on this historic election.

#DemocracyNeedsWomen #bougainville #papuanewguinea #elections #democracy

Pacific celebrates the voices of women in fisheries at the Fisheries Ministers Meeting in Niue | PINA Women working behind the scenes across the Pacific fisheries sector were celebrated in Niue last night, as the latest edition of Moana Voices was honoured during the opening ceremony of the 24th…

Women make up 47% of the fisheries workforce across the Pacific Islands. They also do almost 90% of the work after the fish have been caught. Considering the importance of commercial and subsistence fishing in the region, it's great to see their contributions highlighted.

#DemocracyNeedsWomen

Bougainville woman Cabinet minister battling nine men to hold her seat One of the first women to hold an open seat in Bougainville, Theonila Roka Matbob, is "more relaxed, more focused" and confident she can win again.

Hon. Matbon is truly an inspiration.

"The MP, who is also the Minister of Community Government, recently led the campaign that convinced multinational Rio Tinto to clean up the mess caused by the Panguna Mine."

#DemocracyNeedsWomen #Elections #Bougainville

Wale congratulates Mrs Garu on election victory The Parliamentary Wing Leader of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party and Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, has congratulated the newly elected Member of Parliament for West Guadalcanal Constituency, Mrs. Mary Daniella Zae Garu.

Excited to see Solomon Islands add another woman to its Parliament... but many, many more are needed. That's because democracies need more than just a few women in government. When women make up half the population, #DemocracyNeedsWomen making up HALF of the government as well. #DemocracyNeedsWomen.

Fiame outmanoeuvres the boys' clubs Well, that escalated quickly. Samoa’s Parliament turned into a reality show this week, and spoiler alert: Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa just walked away with the season finale, the script, and the remote control.

Democracy needs more than women voting, running for office, or supporting male leaders.

#DemocracyNeedsWomen leading, and Her Excellency Fiame Naomi Mata'afa exemplifies this.

Motarilavoa Hilda Lini – strong, passionate fighter for decolonisation, nuclear-free Pacific | Asia Pacific Report Hilda coordinated the executive committee of the women’s wing of the Vanuatu Liberation Movement prior to independence and became the first woman Member of Parliament in Vanuatu in 1987.

She sounds like the poster child for why #DemocracyNeedsWomen. RIP 🙏

Saoleititi gets second term as Finance boss The Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Finance, Saoleititi Maeva Betham–Vaai has been reappointed to the leading role. She was the sole applicant for the position.

Samoa has the most women in cabinet than anywhere else in the Pacific Islands, including holding positions that fall outside of "traditional women's issues." That's because #DemocracyNeedsWomen leading the government and the country in all issues that affect voters.

👏 Congrats, Hon. Betham-Vaai! 👏

Olegeriil sworn in as Justice Minister, highlights support for women in Law Enforcement - Island Times KOROR, Palau — Jennifer Olegeriil was sworn in as Minister of Justice on May 19, becoming the second woman to lead the Ministry and marking a historic moment as women now head all of Palau’s top law enforcement agencies.

Democracy needs more than just women voting and running for office.

#DemocracyNeedsWomen in leadership roles and cabinet positions like these!

👏 🙌 👏 🙌 👏 🙌 Congrats! 👏 🙌 👏 🙌 👏 🙌

‘Start with15% quota for women MPs’ Having a quota for women parliamentarians should be carried out slowly.

When women make up 50% of the population... they should make up 50% of the government. How about starting there?

#DemocracyNeedsWomen

Follow AJW Consulting at @ajwconsulting.bsky.social for more stories like these!

PNG Politics : Sawang Forms New Party Following Resignation from People's First Party PNG Latest News, PNG Breaking News, PNG Business News, PNG Sports News, PNG Mining News, PNG Economy News, PNG Corruption News, PNG Hunters News

Why is this important? Because democracy needs more than political party leaders and women running for office. #DemocracyNeedsWomen to lead political parties, Parliamentary committees, and other efforts.

Peace agreements are stronger and are more likely to last longer when women are involved in negotiations. Those are facts, not feelings. Google it.

#democracyneedswomen