Page 5 - IB September 2024

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

The Pacific region has suffered from low economic growth and development Publisher
rates for decades. As far back as the late 1980s and early 1990s, there were Netani Rika
warnings of what would happen if growth levels remained stagnant.
General Manager
In the post-COVID-19 era, the raft of long-standing structural issues has Samantha Magick
conflagrated into a polycrisis - the term used to describe the combination of
problems that have since morphed into crisis-level existential threats. Editor
Richard Naidu
In a rapidly escalating scenario where the very survival of the island states
of the Pacific is at stake, now, more than ever before, leadership has clearly Sales, Marketing & Subscriptions
become the single most essential element to helping the Pacific navigate Waisale Rokotuiveikau
uncharted territory.
Without a doubt, the Pacific has taken leadership in the sphere of oceans Reporters
and climate change. But in terms of where it matters the most, most Pacific Aisha Azeemah
Island countries are struggling to translate economic lethargy into economic Kite Pareti
breakthrough, with the longer-term prospects looking increasingly dim. Prerna Priyanka
Against such a scenario is another statistic that isn’t mentioned often enough.
The fact that the Pacific region has the lowest level of female political Designer
representation in the world. Dick Lee
In other words, women in the Pacific are largely absent from politics, and Contributors
therefore, excluded from making decisions for their countries. Axel Defngin
Our cover story this month looks into why this is the case. Kambes Kesolei
Nic Maclellan
Globally, the participation of women in politics is seen to yield many potential
gains. It has been found to result in tangible gains for democracy. Governments Rowena Singh
are more responsive to citizen needs, there is increased cooperation across Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti
party and ethnic lines, and overall, a more sustainable future.
Islands Business is published monthly by
Apart from greater gender equality, research shows that as more women are Front Page Pte Limited
elected to public office, there is an accompanying increase in policy making Editorial & Advertising Offices
that emphasises quality of life and reflects the priorities of families, women, GPO Box 12718, Suva, Fiji Islands
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One cannot help but imagine how different some outcomes for Pacific Island
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states would be if more women were in positions of civic, political, and Editorial: editor@islandsbusiness.com
national leadership. richard@islandsbusiness.com
As Madeleine Albright has said, the world is wasting a precious resource in Subscriptions: subs@islandsbusiness.com
the dramatic underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, often Advertising: marketing@islandsbusiness.com
resulting in the exclusion of women’s talents and skills in political life.
Whatever the reasons for this, when the stakes for the Pacific are as high as Printing:
they are, the smallest gain matters. And what women can bring to the table is Printhouse Pacific Pte Limited, Suva, Fiji Islands
much more than marginal.

July-August 2023 FJD $8 www.islandsbusiness.com
www.islandsbusiness.com
Richard December 2023 FJD $8
richard@islandsbusiness.com

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