Pacific Women in Politics: Voices for Integrity

Amplifying Pacific Women’s and Nonbinary Voices for Integrity and Accountability in Politics

Across the Pacific region — from our villages to our national parliaments — women and nonbinary people already carry leadership. We guide our families, churches, schools, workplaces, and communities. Yet too often, our voices are missing where laws are made and where decisions about our nations’ futures are shaped.

This series is about changing that. It’s about learning from those who have gone before us, lifting up each other’s voices across the region, and finding the courage to step into political spaces — from local councils and provincial assemblies, through to national parliaments.

Together, we’ll share stories, wisdom, and practical steps for how Pacific women and nonbinary leaders can strengthen integrity, transparency, and accountability in politics at every level.

🌺 Roundtable 1: Pacific Women Ex-Parliamentarians – Lessons from the Inside

Date: Wednesday 8 October, 2025
Time: 11am-12.30pm Fiji Time/ 12pm-1.30pm NZ Time
Duration: 90 minutes

Hear directly from former women parliamentarians from across the Pacific region, including Aotearoa New Zealand, as they reflect on their journeys in political leadership.

What you’ll experience:

• Stories from the inside – Honest accounts of challenges, wins, and lessons learned about integrity and accountability in politics.

• Panel conversation – Exploring barriers Pacific women and nonbinary people face, and what worked when pushing for transparency and ethical leadership.

• Real talk on lobbying & codes of conduct – Navigating the pressures of political systems while holding firm to values.

• Practical advice – Clear guidance for Pacific women and nonbinary people aspiring to leadership at local, provincial, or national level.

• Q&A session – An open talanoa with women who have walked this path.

🌺 Roundtable 2: Raising the Bar – Civil Society’s Expectations for Integrity

Date: Wednesday 22 October, 2025
Time: 11am-12.30pm Fiji Time/ 12pm-1.30pm NZ Time
Duration: 90 minutes

Civil society is the backbone of accountability across the Pacific. This roundtable is a space for Pacific women and nonbinary leaders in communities and organisations to clearly voice what we expect from parliamentarians.

What you’ll experience:

• Keynote framing – A Pacific civil society leader sets the scene on where integrity gaps remain in the region.

• Breakout talanoa – Small group discussions on the priorities Pacific women and nonbinary people want parliamentarians to commit to.

• Shared commitments – Bringing together the top expectations for transparency, accountability, and ethics.

• Closing next steps – How TINZ will carry these insights into promoting advocacy across the Pacific region.

Why join?

Because Pacific women and nonbinary voices matter. Political spaces can feel intimidating or “not for us,” but they urgently need the leadership, wisdom, and courage of women and nonbinary people across our region.

By coming together across islands and generations, we can strengthen each other, set higher standards, and encourage more Pacific women and nonbinary people to step into decision-making roles — from the village council to the national parliament.

This is not just about politics. It’s about safeguarding our communities, protecting our resources, and shaping a fairer future for the Pacific.

What happens next

From these roundtables, we will create:

• A written summary of insights and recommendations for Pacific leaders

• Infographics and short videos to share across the region

• Advocacy tools civil society can use to hold parliamentarians accountable

Join us, bring your story, and let’s amplify Pacific women and nonbinary voices together.