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In her keynote address, Rev. Sepiuta Sepi Hala'api'api, general secretary of the Fiji Council of Churches and PCC deputy moderator, stressed that the meeting is placing emphasis on networking and building relationships, reflecting on and learning contextual issues based on the status of women in the Pacific.
“We gather you all here this week to come together, to listen to one another, to share your stories, and to listen to God speaking through each one of you as we, as a community, weave together our issues, challenges, and find better ways forward that help us all address issues that affect us in our context,” she said.
The event also marks the official launch of PCC’s new “Just, Safe, Resilient, and Empowered Pacific Communities” project with funding and technical assistance from the Pacific Women Lead at the Pacific Community project, supported by the Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“Religion and tradition play a key role in shaping sociocultural norms and people’s beliefs, behaviours, and everyday lives across the world,” said Mereseini Rakuita, principal strategic lead at Pacific Women Lead. “Faith-based and traditional actors are increasingly recognized as key actors in the prevention of violence against women and/or girls and crucial to achieving gender equality—Sustainable Development Goal 5—by 2030.”
This will be the PCC’s first Commission on the Status of Women in Pacific Churches discussion ahead of the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, also known as Beijing+30, marking the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995).
This meeting builds on the PCC’s ongoing efforts to bring together women from the Pacific Island's theological, feminist, disability rights, and peacebuilding movements to share insights and develop common strategies to advance gender equality goals.
“This is not just a gathering – it is a sacred moment in our shared journey, a space where our faith, wisdom, and commitment to justice converge to shape the future of our churches and communities,” said Rev. James Baghwan, general secretary of PCC, in his opening remarks.
The convening will also build on the outcomes of the 2023 Pacific Conference of Churches Women’s Pre-Assembly Meeting, Revitalised Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration, outcomes of the 2024 Pacific Women’s Triennial Conference and Ministerial Meeting, and the Beijing+30 Review.
