A recent UN report found that limitation of women’s participation in the workforce in the Asia-Pacific region cost the economy an estimated US$89 billion every year.
This shows that there is a critical need to provide opportunities for women and girls and ensure realistic policies are in place.
This was highlighted during the APEC Regional Visit to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville to conclude the Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy meeting.
The high level policy dialogue on women and economy was held under the theme: “Seizing the opportunity for women and girls to advance in the digital age” with 4 cascading priorities.
“1, empowering women to participate in digital economy, 2; gender inclusion and empowerment as catalyst for growth in all sectors, 3; leadership and 4; forging partnership and narrowing the gap,” stated Community Development, Youth and Religion Minister Soroi Eoe.
Implementing realistic policies based on data to protect, enhance, empower and propel women and girls so that they can reach their potential, was the emphasis of the meetings.
“Which brought to the policy space discussions to identify what is being done in the region to address gender issues and identified gaps we need to collectively focus on,” added Minister Eoe.
The APEC economies recognised the existing and emerging challenges faced in the region and opportunities that can be explored.
Women leaders from respective APEC economies shared their experiences to which they can learn from.
(APEC women representatives)