On Monday 24 November 2025 (from 12.00pm – 14.00pm AEDT), WLI will host an online Learning & Networking event organised by members of WLI's Pathways to Parliament and Policy Influence group. The event is for Australia Awards scholars and alumni from the Pacific and their families, as well as development colleagues in our region.
About women's political participation in the Pacific
The global average of national women parliamentarians is 26.1%, compared to around 8% in the Pacific region, excluding Australia and New Zealand. Yet, women political leaders reshape the nature of politics and international relations by addressing (through platforming and policy making) issues perceived as political 'non-priorities', such as gender-based violence, childcare, and reproductive health.
About this event
By bringing together key speakers, this event aims to share insights from current work on the state of women's political participation across the Pacific, examine the ways in which women are entering, surviving and leading in different political spaces across the Pacific, and consider what it will take to increase women's political representation in our region.
The event will feature a live expert panel discussion, audience Q&A, and break-out group discussions to explore the topic in further depth.
About the expert panel
An expert panel discussion facilitated by Vanessa Teutao, will feature Theresa Meki and Kerryn Baker, research fellows from the Australian National University (ANU) Department of Pacific Affairs.
Dr Kerryn Baker will provide a regional overview and comparative analysis of where Pacific women currently stand in politics. She will examine trends in representation, quotas, party systems, and electoral reform, highlighting where progress is being made – and where it is stalling.
Dr Theresa Meki will take a deep dive into women’s political participation in Melanesia, exploring how culture, clan structures, and political parties act as both enablers and barriers to women’s leadership. Drawing on her ground-breaking research on Papua New Guinea’s elections and women candidates, Dr Meki will share key lessons and insights from the field.
Event details
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 12.00pm – 2.00pm AEDT
Location: Online, via Zoom
Register here.