Secretary General Dame Meg Taylor’s Remarks at the Pacific Islands Forum European Union – Gender Event Pacific – EU Gender Press Conference

Remarks

I am pleased to sign two financing agreement valued at 13million Euro under the EDF11. One agreement contributes to ending violence against women in the Pacific and the second addresses capacity building support within our regional organisations. Recognising the high levels of violence against women in our region this assistance is timely and will effectively assist the region in concretely addressing this issue.

It is now 5 years since our Leaders adopted the Gender Equality Declaration in the Cook Islands. The Declaration highlighted, amongst other things, the importance of implementing progressive and holistic packages of essential services for women and girls who are survivors of violence. [Furthermore, the Declaration encourages the development of legislation for violence against women across the region.]

In providing this funding, the EU squarely recognises the importance of tackling the root causes of gender inequality and violence against women and girls in the Pacific.

Ladies and Gentlemen, violence against women is a complex and multi-dimensional issue. It requires support from civil society, faith based groups, the private sector, government and development partners – we all have an important part to play. We look forward to working with the European Union and partner organisations SPC and UN Women to support the Pacific and Pacific women to build on and strengthen our region's common commitment to ending violence against women.

The Technical Cooperation and Capacity Building Facility (TECCBUF) will also make a major contribution to strengthening the capacity of our regional organisations and will provide technical assistance and support to the implementing agencies for the Regional Indicative Programme. Most importantly, it will extend the life and breadth of our own very successful Non State Actors Programme.

Thank you.