Social protection and gender in the Pacific – a lifecycle approach | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Summary of publication

This briefing paper argues that social protection can strengthen gender equality beyond merely targeting women. Gender relations in Pacific Island Countries (PICs) are embedded in traditional socio-cultural norms but are also affected by rapid economic and social changes.

Gender inequality and discrimination in the Pacific can cause significant social harm and can hinder economic progress, including failing to break the intergenerational transfer of poverty. Promoting gender equality and women's empowerment is of benefit to broader economic and development goals.