Plan International Australia statement in response to new Pacific women lead program commitment

In response to statements made today by the Minister for Foriegn Affairs and Women the Hon Senator Marise Payne at the 14th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women committing to provide $175 mil over 5 years towards the new Pacific Women Lead program, Plan International Australia CEO Susanne Legena said:

“We welcome the announcement of $175m over 5 years for the new Pacific Women Lead Program and look forward to more detail on how this funding will drive gender equality for adolescent girls in the Pacific, particularly in light of impacts of COVID 19 on girls.”

There is a strong case for ensuring that the new Pacific Women Lead Program addresses the unique challenges faced by adolescent girls.”

“With a significant youth population in the Pacific and girls aged 10 to 19 struggling to access secondary schooling as well as experiencing high levels of gender based violence at school, in public places and in their homes during COVID-19, it is critical that girls’ needs are met in the new funding framework.”

“If Australia is committed to supporting the long term economic and social recovery in the Pacific region, then an investment in driving gender equality across generations is needed – not only with Pacific Women Lead but across all of Australia’s investments in the Pacific region,” she said.

For further comment please contact Plan International Australia media and ambassador manager James Norman on 0451291775 or public relations advisor Claire Knox on 0452326549