Gender equality within the labour mobility scheme between men and women from Pacific nations working in Australia and New Zealand has been highlighted as one of the key agenda items at the Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting (PLMAM) held in Honiara this week.
Roy Lagolago, Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, told local media that gender equality was amongst the main issues raised during the Pacific Caucus discussions on Monday.
“Discussions came up about having gender equality — not just for women, but also for youth and people with disabilities. I think all those people are involved as well,” Lagolago said.
He added that promoting equal opportunities and ensuring the safety and welfare of Pacific women working abroad are also important priorities.
“Also making sure our women, when they travel overseas, are safe. Because culturally, for us in the Pacific, men and women going to the same place should be separated.
“These are the things we brought up — having that separation and ensuring that if a woman travels, she’s safe and in a good place. I think that’s a big thing for us,” he explained.
Lagolago said the discussions also touched on the need to maintain proper accommodation arrangements that separate men and women, in line with Pacific cultural values and safety concerns.
Other major topics at the PLMAM include the welfare of Pacific workers in Australia and New Zealand, ensuring they are well looked after, supporting their reintegration into home communities upon return, and promoting fair and transparent recruitment processes across the region.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
