3rd Pacific Women’s Parliamentary Partnerships Forum€¦ · 1030 Group Session (NB: Australian and New Zealand Delegates withdrew and allowed Delegates of the Region to discuss)

3rd Pacific Women’s Parliamentary

Partnerships Forum

Travel Report Verity Barton MP

Verity Barton MP 3rd Pacific Women’s Parliamentary Partnerships Forum Page 2 of 19

The Pacific Women’s Parliamentary Partnerships Project

The Pacific Women’s Parliamentary Partnerships (PWPP) Project is one of the programs funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) under the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development Initiative. The PWPP Project is a ten-year initiative which recognises that, along with economic empowerment and freedom from violence, women’s access to leadership positions is vital if Pacific women are to participate as equals in the democratic development of their countries. The Project was designed to tackle the continuing under-representation of women in Parliament. It aims to improve understanding of the factors that constrain women’s political participation, and the build the capacity of women Members of Parliament in the Pacific, the institutions in which they work and the staff who support these endeavours. This Project considers that, among the many strategies adopted to enhance the capacity of women elected in the Pacific, change is also required in the workplace culture and infrastructure of Pacific parliaments. Increasing the gender sensitivity of men and women in the parliament will improve the environment for all. I invite all Members to visit http://www.pacificparliaments.net/pwpp/index.html or contact myself for more information.

http://www.pacificparliaments.net/pwpp/index.html


The Forum

The 2015 Forum was hosted by the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji in Suva from 29 April to 1 May. I would like to thank the Parliament and its staff for their hospitality and the support offered to delegates. I would also like to thank the Australian High Commissioner and the staff at the High Commission for their hospitality. There were 60 attendees at the forum representing,

Fiji,

Cook Islands,

Federated States of Micronesia,

Kiribati,

Marshall Islands,

Nauru,

New Zealand,

Niue,

Palau,

Papua New Guinea,

Samoa,

Solomon Islands,

Tonga,

Tuvalu,

Vanuatu and

Australia NB: The Autonomous Region of Bougainville was unable to send delegates as an election was due to be held in mid-May. Australia was represented by,

Ms Natasha Stott Despoja AM,

Mr Harry Jenkins AO,

Ms Anna Burke MP,

Hon Teresa Gambaro MP,

Ms Jill Hall MP,

Senator Anne McEwen,

Mrs Louise Markus MP,

Hon Melissa Parke MP,

Mrs Jane Prentice MP,

Hon Dr Sharman Stone MP,

Senator Anne Urquart,

Ms Nicole Lawder MLA,

Ms Mary Porter AM MLA,

Hon Linda Burney MP,

Hon Catherine Cusack MLC,

Ms Ruth Forrest MLC,

Ms Michelle O’Byrne MP,

Ms Christine Fyffe MP,

Ms Nina Springle MLC and

Miss Verity Barton MP The opening address was delivered by the Honourable, Rear Admiral J. V. Bainimarama, Prime Minister of Fiji and Ms Natasha Stott Despoja, Australian Ambassador for Women and Girls responded. The theme of the forum was domestic and family violence. The Prime Minister said it was important the Pacific Region used the forum as an opportunity to send a message of zero tolerance regarding domestic and family violence. The Prime Minister said, “real men treat women as equals,” and indicated that Fiji would redouble its efforts to change culture. He indicated that more needs to be done in schools in the region to educate young people that violence is not the solution. He said that gender equality is a goal Fiji intends to fulfill and highlighted he has two female Ministers and two female Assistant Ministers serving in his Government, that Fiji’s Parliament has a female Speaker and the Opposition Leader is a woman. Collectively, he said, we must do everything possible to make women’s voices heard in the region.


The Agenda

Wednesday, 29 April 2015 Venue: Conference Centre – Novotel Lami Bay 0830 Welcome by Ms Viniana Namosimalua, Secretary General to Parliament

Prayers

0840 Opening address by the Honourable, Rear Admiral J. V. Bainimarama, Prime Minister of Fiji Response by Ms Natasha Stott Despoja, Australian Ambassador for Women and Girls

0915 Official Photo and Morning Tea

1000 Plenary Session One

1100 Plenary Session Two

1200 Lunch

1300 Panel Session One

1430 Afternoon tea

1500 Panel Session Two

1630 Session closes

1830 Welcome dinner for women Parliamentarians

2000 Welcome and briefing for male Parliamentarians by Mr Harry Jenkins AO Thursday, 30 April 2015 Venue: Conference Centre – Novotel Lami Bay 0830 Welcome by Ms Viniana Namosimalua, Secretary General to Parliament

Prayers

0840 Panel Session Three

1030 Morning Tea

1100 Panel Session Four

1230 Lunch

1400 Panel Session Five

1600 Plenary Session Three

1800 Session concludes with prayers

1900 Informal Dinner for all Delegates Australian Delegates were invited to the Australian High Commission

Friday, 1 May 2015 Venue: Conference Centre – Novotel Lami Bay 0830 Welcome by Ms Viniana Namosimalua, Secretary General to Parliament

Prayers

0850 Panel Session 6

1000 Morning Tea

1030 Group Session (NB: Australian and New Zealand Delegates withdrew and allowed Delegates of the Region to discuss)

1215 Return to the plenary for closing remarks

1230 Forum concludes with prayers

1730 Transport to Parliament of Fiji

1800 Tour of Parliament of Fiji

1830 Farewell Dinner hosted by Honourable Dr Jiko Luveni, Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji

2100 Dinner concludes


Plenary Session One: Family Violence – the issues

Presented by Ms Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu | Consultant This session set out the issues surrounding family violence. It aimed to allow Parliamentarians to hear about the challenges facing women in the region who experience family violence and identify the broader implications. The need for countries in the Region to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was highlighted. There was agreement there is no simple prescription to ‘fix’ the issue of domestic and family violence in the region. It was acknowledged that, while there is more work to be done, there has been much work over a number of years and the issue of domestic and family violence has been on the global agenda for more than 20 years. In the Pacific region, Palau has signed but not yet ratified the treaty and Tonga is not a signatory. Niue is a signatory of this convention, signed on its behalf by New Zealand, as was the Cook Islands; however, since then the Cook Islands had acceded to the convention outright. The importance of early intervention was stressed to not only support victims and their families but also to enact behavioural change. Behavioural change itself was identified as a broader challenge long term; this was perceived as a particular challenge in the Pacific region because it was challenging beliefs and culture. In addition to early intervenion the need for education was reinforced because if we don’t halt the scurge of domestic and family violence the impact on children will see exponential growth of domestic and family violence. This session also highlighted the economic cost. There are both direct (health care, legal costs, social services costs and loss of productivity) and indirect costs (not accessing education services) that we, as a society and broader members of the region, should be cogniscant of. The average cost of domestic and family violence is between one and three per cent of a country’s GDP; in Fiji the cost is estimated to be between five and six per cent. The Pacific region has the highest rate of domestic and family violence in the world. This is alarming. Domestic and family violence is an abuse of human rights and we (Australia and New Zealand) must work to support the Pacific region; we must work together to address this because the high rate impacts a human’s dignity, their productivity and domestic and family violence could cost a person their life. It was also reported that gender equality is important for economic development in small island states; this will continue to advance progress in women’s education levels. Identified as a significant issue was women’s reluctance to seek help from police, counsellors and the justice system; however, rates of reporting are increasing as the public gain confidence in the police and justice system. As public confidence grows women, and men, will be more able to speak about gender and sexual-based violence. In spite of much of the progress that’s already been made, high levels of violence and low levels of women in leadership roles will result in women being underrepresented in the economy. The lack of sufficient services was also highlighted as a significant concern, especially in regional areas where there is poor access to justice and services as well as an associated stigma. Again, behavioural change was seen as important in order for there to be a major impact. In addition, much legislative reform and progress was seen as piecemeal and the need for good enforcement of existing laws was seen as important before further progress could be made.


Plenary Session Two: Family Violence – finding the facts – understanding

data and the importance of reliable research

Presented by Ms Melissa Alvarado | UN Women Presented by Ms Maha Muna | United Nations Population Fund The aim of this session was to explain the importance of credible research and why parliamentarians must have access to reliable data and interpret it correctly if they are to address family violence issues effectively. The early part of the presentation detailed how the researchers go about collecting data and the methods they use to collate their data. It was noted that the absence of data and data management systems is a particular problem for researchers. At present only three countries in the region report on prosecutions for family and domestic violence. This absence of data creates a false sense of security because people therefore do not accept the problem exists. In addition, the stigma associated with women who report family and domestic violence has significant implications for researchers’ ability to collect sound data. In some regional areas researchers have resorted to misleading descriptions of their research being provided to husbands in order to protect women. Some staggering statistics were reported. As reported by men, they perpetrate rape because:

Sexual entitlement (71%),

They are bored or think it will be fun (44%),

In anger or as a form of punishment (35%), or

Because they have been drinking (17%). Further, men first perpetrated rape at varying ages.

Under 15 (12%),

15 – 19yo (38%),

20 – 29yo (42%),

30 – 39yo (6%), and

40 plus (2%). Delegates agreed this highlighs the need to educate young boys and inform them earlier of the value of women.


Panel Session One: Family Violence – legislation and regulation in the

region

Presented by a panel of five delegates from various countries This session provided a stock-take of relevant legislation in the region, explained international norms and standards and identified what is best practice for the region. Delegates from across the region provided an update of the legislation which has been enacted in their countries. Some panellists also referenced their countries’ ratification of CEDAW. Of particular note was the work the Fijian Ministry of Women has done to create Zero Tolerance Violence Free Communities.


Panel Session Two: Family violence – what can legislators do?

Presented by a panel of five delegates from various countries (NB I was a member of the panel) This session enabled women parliamentarians to speak about their work on legislation, what were the challenges and how they overcame them. I spoke about the work the Queensland Parliament had done as part of the Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee’s Inquiry on Strategies to Prevent and Reduce Criminal Activity in Queensland as well as the Special Taskforce, chaired by the Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO, which produced the report Not Now, Not Ever: Putting an End to Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland. Other panellists spoke of their experiences. A consistent theme from Pacific parliamentarians was the need for training on issues, for both men and women, so they could support legislative change. Rape in marriage was highlighted as a signficant gap in much of the Pacific region’s legislation.


Panel Session Three: Family violence – engagement with stakeholders,

civil society, churches, NGOs, government, other parliamentarians and

lobbying for resources

Presented by a panel of five delegates from various countries This session explored the complexities of engaging stakeholders, garnering support for change and considered gender budgeting for resources to combat family violence.

Consistently delegates from across the region highlighted the need to work with church groups

particularly to instigate cultural and behavioural change.

It was noted that often in more rural and regional villages, the community leaders who are

integral to a change in behaviour, are themselves perpetrators of violence against women.

Many delegates believe there is a greater role for the media to play in helping change cultural

norms and behaviours as they can influence people’s thoughts as well as be a forum for

discussion. Some concern was raised about how they interpret issues and whether or not

there is a risk of victim shaming.

It’s also important we work with health services to identify whether or not there are mental

health concerns or consequences for both victims and perpetrators as well as reproductive

health concerns for women.


Panel Session Four: Family violence – what happens at implementation:

are the right agencies and strategies involved?

Presented by a panel of five delegates from various countries This session explored the implementation stages of legislation, why sometimes legislation may not contribute effectively to change and how any effectiveness can be overcome. Many delegates said a significant impediment to the efficacy of legislative reform was a reticence of victims to come forward. The concern of victims stems from fear of retaliation but also a fear of any stigma that may arise from challenging accepted norms about a woman’s role in society and marriage. Governments need to do more to support services for women. We also need to work with our communities to ensure that women feel supported and encouraged to come forward.


Panel Session Five: Family Violence – how can parliamentarians hold

governments accountable?

Presented by a panel of five delegates from various countries This session considered steps parliamentarians can take to evaluate the success of policy and process and ask more of their governments. Parliamentarians have a significant role to play in ensuring that governments are held to account and they have an important role on education, in society, on domestic and family violence issues. Processes like Questions Without Notice, Questions on Notice and Budget Estimates Hearings are a great opportunty for Members of Parliament to hold governments to account. The friendship across the region, it was agreed, is the greatest gift we can share, and we should endeavour to support each other. It was noted the Australia and New Zealand do not have all the solutions and we all look forward to continuing to engage with each other on this important issue.


Plenary Session Three: Discussion and agreement on statement of

outcomes from the Forum

Presented by the Hon Fiame Naomi Mataafa There was much discussion and debate amongst the delegates. It was generally agreed by the Australian and New Zealand delegates they should take a back seat and allow delegates from the Pacific region to lead the debate and discussion. The agreed priorities for Pacific Parliaments are:

1. Scoping and prioritising the problem: data Facing the issue and ending the silence. The Forum agreed on the need for research and data that equip legislators to understand the nature and extent of the problem in each jurisdiction, why victims do not seek help or report family violence, and why existing legislative and policy responses may be failing. Adequate collection and analysis of prevalence data provides the basis and authority for allocating resources to address family violence and the practice of shaming and blaming its victims.

2. Addressing the problem: legislation and gender budgeting Recognising that family violence is a human rights issue and has significant direct and indirect economic, social and cultural impacts on Pacific nations. The Forum agreed on the need to prioritise legislative approaches by auditing the divesity and coherence of legislation and regulations that address family violence and monitoring their implementation in order to ensure it is adequate, comprehensive and effectively resourced, including through the application of gender budgeting mechanisms.

3. Streamlining responses: engaging with stakeholders Acknowledging that legislators must work with stakeholders to coordinate services dealing with family violence, the Forum agreed that legislators need to identify all relevant stakeholders including the church and traditional leaders, NGOs, government agencies and the police, health, education and justice systems. This builds on the agreed PWPP priority in 2014 to develop robust mechanisms and partnerships, and will enable separate and often fragmented resources to be integrated and harnessed to bring about more streamlined services that protect survivors and bring perpetrators to account.

4. Overcoming discriminatory stereotypes: sensitising legislators, public and the media Building on the PWPP Forum’s agreed priority in 2014: ‘developing and implementing a strategy for ongoing gender equality and equality training for all parliamentarians and parliamentary staff,’ the Forum recognised the need for legislators to receive training to sensitise them to the scope, causes and effects of family violence, and encourage men and women legislators to work together to pursue legislative reform, work effectively with key stakeholders, challenge media stereotypes of women in society and hold governments to account in complying with international and regional commitments to gender equality.

5. Gender-sensitive cross-party groups Building on the PWPP Forum’s agreed priority in 2014 to create gender-sensitive cross-party parliamentary groups responsible for ensuring that the parliament raises gender equality issues and legislation, the Forum agreed that in each parliament such


a body could ensure that awarness of family violence in Pacific societies is raised as a matter of urgency, that the scope of the issue is understood by legislators, and that parliaments encourage sharing of lessons learnt.

6. Addressing children’s needs Remembering that childood experience of family violence is a risk factor for adult violence, and that children are profoundly affected by family violence, the Forum agreed that participants would urge their Education Ministers to ensure the school curricula supports girls and boys by teaching them life skills that build emotional resilience and healthy and respectful family relationships.


Panel Session Six: Gender equality – why is this important in parliament

and introduction to the Gender Equality in Parliament Learning Program

Presented by Dame Carol Kidu OBE This session introduced the workship on modules for training about Gender Equality in Pacific Parliaments Note: Australian and New Zealand delegates stayed for part of the address; however, were encouraged to allow Pacific delegates and male parliamentarians present an opportunity to engage on the modules.


Group Sessions: Five Groups to discuss modules and provide feedback

This session explored the content for the learning programs and discussed gender equality Note: Australian and New Zealand delegates had withrdrawn earlier.


Village Visit

Fiji’s Ministry for Women is proud of the work they have done with villages to delcare them a ‘Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community’. The Australian delegates visited Lepanoni Village which has gone throug the Ministry of Women’s education program and has now been delcared violence free. Part of the changes this village has made include a prohibition on alcohol, tobacco and kava. The representatives of the Ministry have worked with village leaders to stop violence against women and children. As a result the women of the village say they are now able to speak up, share opinions and share the workload in the household. Men of the village admit that the change of balance has taken some getting used to as it marks a significant cultural shift in the role of women in villages and families; however, they are very proud of the gains they’ve made. In lieu of kava one man indicated when frustrated he just goes for a ‘very long walk.’ In addition there is a desire among villagers to not be shamed by their actions and the commitment of the whole village is holding people accountable. I would like to thank the Lepanoni settlement for their hospitality at short notice and for welcoming us into their village and sharing their experiences in the village hall.


Visit to Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre

A not-for-profit organisation established in 1984 it serves as a support and resource for women who have been victims of family and sexual violence. Some of the Australian delegates elected to visit the Centre’s facility in Suva and meet with their researchers and a counsellor. They expressed some frustration at the lack of progress and were hopeful the Prime Minister’s comments would signify a change in the priorities when it comes to responding to violence against women.


Tour of Parliament of Fiji

Before the farewell dinner the delegates were given a tour of the Parliament of Fiji. We learned there is much debate about whether English should be the official language of the Parliament. In addition the Parliament has electronic voting for their Members of Parliament rather than traditional divisions as seen in other Westminster Parliaments. Also interesting was their new Education Centre and their Mace, which was the favourite war club of the last King of Fiji.


Travel and Accommodation

Brisbane to Nadi Tuesday, 28 April 2015 Virgin Australia VA175 Departing 0925 (Brisbane time) Arriving 1455 (Fiji time) Nadi to Suva Tuesday, 28 April 2015 Fiji Airways FJ21 Departing 1830 (Fiji time) Arriving 1900 (Fiji time) Suva to Nadi Saturday, 2 May 2015 Driven The Honourable Dr Jiko F Luveni, Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji kindly arranged a car to travel from Suva to Nadi. This gave me an opportunity to see some of the Fijian country. Nadi to Brisbane Saturday, 2 May Qantas Airways QF348 (operated by Fiji Airways) Departing 2040 (Fiji Time) Arriving 2255 (Brisbane Time) Hotel Accommodation was a standard room at the Novotel, Lami Bay. Taxis were taken between Parliament House and Brisbane International Airport. Delegates were met by representatives of the Fijian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Suva Airport and transported to the hotel. I would like to acknowledge the assistance provided by protocol staff at the Nadi International Airport and accompanying me through Immigration and that of the staff of the Parliament of Fiji who drove me from Suva to Nadi. Accommodation and Economy class fares were provided by AusAID as part of the Forum, all flights were booked through the Australian Parliament’s travel service. In April the Speaker approved an upgrade of flights to Business class. The costs of the upgrades was $1343.67.

Documents

3rd Pacific Women’s Parliamentary Partnerships Forum€¦ · 1030 Group Session (NB: Australian and New Zealand Delegates withdrew and allowed Delegates of the Region to discuss)