Women in Pacific Defence Forces Seminar

Defence officials and representatives from seven Pacific nations attended the Women in Pacific Forces Seminar in Canberra this week.

The seminar focused on the importance of female participation in conflict prevention, management and resolution, and integrating a gender perspective into capability planning.

The seminar’s theme was the practical application of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR 1325)—women, peace and security.

International military representatives from New Zealand, Chile, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia and Tonga were present at the seminar, keen to support female participation in Pacific defence capability.

The 70 participants shared their experiences and developed action plans for each country to further develop in their own militaries with ongoing support and commitment from the Australian Defence Force.

As countries with shared security interests and challenges, Defence is committed to supporting greater participation of women in all military activities to achieve optimal safety and security for the region.    

Defence encourages international partners to support regional security development, and include the participation of women in security and conflict management activities to enhance capability.

This seminar was a key outcome of the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting held in April 2017.