National policy on gender equality and women's empowerment and Action Plan 2019 - 2024

Annex 1 The National Gender Policy Development Process 2018................. 49 NCW National Council Of Women Annex 2 Gender Policy and the National Sustainable Development NES National Environment Service Plan 2016-2020 ............................................................................................ 51 NGO Non-Governmental Organisations NPGEWE National Policy On Gender Equality And Women’s Empowerment Annex 3 National Gender Policy Results Management Framework;. ............ 53 NSC National Steering Committee Annex 4 National, Regional and International Commitments to NSDC National Sustainable Development Commission NSDP National Sustainable Development Plan Gender Equality............................................................................................. 54 NSO National Statistics Office Glossary. ........................................................................................................................ 57 NTF National Task Forces New Zealand Bibliography. .................................................................................................................. 59 OPM Office Of The Prime Minister OPSC Office Of The Public Service Commissioner PPA Pacific Platform For Action PTI Punanga Tauturu Inc RAC Religious Advisory Council SPS Social Policy And Service Division (Mintaff) STI Sexually Transmitted Diseases UNSC United Nations Security Council WDO Women Development Officers WPD Work Programme Deliverables 6 7 FOREWORD INTRODUCTION The Cook Islands Government has a long and proud history of promoting gender equality. The Cook Islands Constitution was adopted in 1964, and guarantees equal rights to all citizens, regardless of sex. On the international stage the Cook Islands became a party to the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 1985. In 1995, the Cook Islands developed the Kia Orana first ever National Policy on Women. The goal then was to advance gender equality, enhance women’s This Policy acknowledges and builds on past achievements and ongoing empowerment in all sectors, and all at all levels of development and decision making. The spirit of the efforts to achieve gender equality in the Cook Islands. Despite our Policy was the protection and advancement or our most vulnerable citizens, women and girls, so that achievements in advancing the rights of women in health, education they may fully participate and engage in our national development, and enjoy the highest quality of life. and employment, barriers still remain, discrimination persists, new and emerging issues are recognized. GENDER IN THE COOK ISLANDS The subject of gender, and the terms gender inequality/equality, gender mainstreaming, gender analysis, The roles and responsibilities of women at home, and in the workplace have changed, and continues are commonly heard in workshops, trainings, boardrooms, and community meetings, but there is little to change for the better. However, gender stereotyping and discrimination practices present unique evidence to suggest these terms are adequately understood, nor the principles appropriately applied. challenges that continue to limit women and their participation in leadership, governance, social and Generations of men and women before today have advocated long and hard for women to be respected, economic development. heard, involved, engaged, and accepted in all levels of society, politics, economy, and governance…the evidence below quantifies undeniable progress in some of these areas. And yet “gender” is still largely This Government has adopted a gender and development approach that recognizes the importance of associated with “women”, and a “gender policy” is mistakenly assumed to mean a “women’s policy”. considering the relations between women and men in policy and planning processes. Policy and plans As a result, these workshops and consultations are, for the most part attended by women, and address should be based on analysis of the different situations and needs of women and men. This Policy aims issues, challenges, barriers relating primarily to women. to progress gender equity and equality between women and men. It also recognizes that in order to This raises the point that more education and awareness is needed to improve society’s understanding redress gender inequalities it is necessary to create the conditions for women’s empowerment while of gender, gender equality, and the harmful impact of negative gender stereotypes and gender women and men work together to address attitudinal and institutional barriers to gender equality. discrimination. The aim of these strategies is to change the mindsets, beliefs, attitudes, accepted norms I believe that this Policy, together with the Strategic Plan of Action, provides a framework to guide the and behaviours of both men and women in all sectors, at all levels; process of developing laws, policies, procedures and practices which will serve to ensure equal rights, ~ To understand that gender is more than the biological sex of a person, for example a person opportunities and benefits for women and men in all spheres of Government programs and services as that is born ‘male’ does not necessarily accept the male gender role or male identity. well as in the workplace, in the community and in the family. ~ To recognize that “gender” refers to the accepted roles of men and women in our society, I am grateful to the many individuals, Government Ministries, Agencies, Non-government Organisations and the power relations between them e.g. it is acceptable for women to stay home to raise the the communities at large, who have contributed to the development of this National Policy on Gender children, it is acceptable for men to be the primary breadwinner of the family Equality and Women’s Empowerment. It is with great pleasure, that I present this Policy to all women ~ To understand and recognize the danger of unequal power relations between men and women, and men of the Cook Islands, our Sector Stakeholders, Development Partners and Communities. (decision-making authority, control over finances, physical and other forms of violence) and to restructure society and create a balance of shared power from the family unit, to the highest levels of leadership ~ To understand and recognize when gender discrimination and negative gender stereotypes exist, and be able to model and advocate for gender equality Kia Manuia With better awareness and understanding of gender, policy makers, implementing agencies, service providers, and citizens can engage in constructive dialogue on gender issues. Stakeholders may then HON. VAINE MAC MOKOROA be able to identify, design and develop more relevant, effective, result driven policies and programmes MINISTER FOR MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS, COOK ISLANDS MARCH 2019 that will ensure we realize our vision, goals, and aspirations in the near future. 8 9 GENDER POLICY REVIEW REPORT 2018 4. Improved capacity of women to address health issues A review of the Gender Policy in 2014 and 2018 revealed some progress towards achieving the goals The report found that impressive gains have been made in recent years to improve sexual reproductive set in 2011, the report also highlights areas of concern, challenges and barriers, and new and emerging health for women, reduce STIs, and reduce teenage pregnancy (Outcome 5). Women’s health in general issues that have now informed the basis for the priorities outlined in this policy. has improved over the years, with the exception of NCD mortality and premature death from NCDs. Research shows that while NCDs both affect men and women (diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc), the 1. Gender Responsive government programs and policies burden or cost of NCDs affect men and women disproportionately, with the burden weighing more on Gender mainstreaming into Government programs, policies, and budget remains a work in progress women than men e.g. women are the primary caregivers for the vulnerable (infants, children, elderly, (Outcome 1), and yet a significant achievement has been made with the passing of the Family Protection disabled) and will take leave from work, or resign to care for those who fall sick or require full-time care. and Support Act 2017 which establishes protection measures for women, girls, and children. The CEDAW Law Reform Programme will continue to work on reviewing or developing new legislation e.g. 5. Elimination of violence against women Employment relations act, marriage act, crimes act, that aim to promote gender equality. The Cook Every person has the right to feel safe and secure, protected from all forms of violence. Domestic violence Islands has seen some progress in mainstreaming gender perspectives into government policy and cases have increased over the years, despite ongoing efforts to raise awareness in the community, and planning systems, however more training for government officials is needed. While national coordination strengthen justice and law enforcement services. The Family Health and Safety Study 2014 provides mechanisms were established, in practice coordination and communication between stakeholders and sufficient evidence and sound recommendations for government to develop more effective programmes implementing agencies were inconsistent. More is needed to establish and strengthen monitoring and and services to support women and men, victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. evaluation systems, and improve the collection of relevant sex disaggregated data to enable better More detailed information about the findings, issues, progress, challenges, and recommendations can analysis, and better-informed decision making. be found in the NPGEWE Assessment Report June 2018 and NPGEWE End of Assignment Report April 2. Equitable participation of women and men in decision-making and 2017. governance systems THE 2019 GENDER PRIORITIES More quantifiable progress can be seen in the number of women entering leadership position in politics, The National Policy on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (NPGEWE) 2019 is the result of local government, and high-level decision-making bodies in government (Outcome 2); with 60% of the lessons learned, building upon the past achievements, brought about through the passion, determination, public service being made up of women. and will of past patrons and visionary leaders. The vision, mission and principles are as relevant today Women’s representation in politics has increased since 2011, with approximately 17% women as ever before. Consultations with government, NGO’s and community leaders from the Pa Enua lent parliamentarians, 14% in local governance. In the public service women hold 20% senior management their voice to the Policy, to ensure the priorities, and aspirations of the people are captured within. positions in government agencies. The Speaker of Parliament is also a woman, and an active gender This policy is aligned to the National Sustainable Development Plan 2016-2020, reinforcing our advocate in the Cook Islands and the region. Recognizing progress is being made, we still fall short of commitment under Goal 9 to protect, promote, and advance the rights of all women and girls. The our national targets of 30% female representation in high level decision-making bodies. principles and commitments are further reinforced and reflected in multiple sector strategies, Island 3. An enabling environment for the full participation of women in economic Plans, Community Sustainable Development Plans, and legislations. development The Policy also recognizes its regional and international commitments and aligns to CEDAW, Convention Outcome 3 has the least amount of reliable, accurate and accessible information to determine the level on the Rights of the Child (CRC) Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the of engagement and participation of women in economic development. Beijing Platform of Action, the Pacific Platform for Action, the Pacific Plan, Commonwealth Plan of Action, In economic development, the labour force participation rate for women has increased to 65% in 2011 and Global Agenda 2030. Through this policy, the Cook Islands Government along with key partners (0.65LFP) however evidence suggests gender pay parity has not been achieved, with women earning on in Civil Society, reaffirms commitment to provide support and targeted interventions that advance, average $13,000 per annum, and men earning $16,000 per annum. There are several reasons for this empower, and protect the rights of all women and girls living in the Cook Islands. disparity besides discrimination; women dominate industries such as nursing and teaching, which tend to pay less than other industries such as engineering, which are dominated by men. There are still gaps in the data which may help shed light on the existing issues and trends, and help measure progress going forward. 1 Census Report 2011 10 11 THE NATIONAL POLICY ON GENDER AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT 2019 This section captures the existing, new, and emerging issues, challenges, and opportunities facing OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES women and girls living in the Cook Islands today. It identifies our commitments to advancing gender Collaboration equality over the next ten years and groups them into six key priority areas modified slightly from the Nothing is achieved in isolation. Strong partnerships and coordination between government, civil society previous policy; and development partners is needed if we are to achieve the aspirations outlined in this document. This policy recognizes the important role of men and boys in advancing progress in gender equality goals. • Outcome 1: A Gender Responsive Government • Outcome 2: Gender Equity in Leadership and Governance Empowerment • Outcome 3: Women engaged in Economic Development By empowering women, we will help achieve other national goals, and will ensure all citizens benefit from those outcomes. In practice, this also means taking affirmative actions to compensate for existing • Outcome 4: Healthy Women and Girls inequalities that have deprived them of equal opportunities • Outcome 5: Eliminating Violence against Women Each policy outcome addresses key priorities for gender development in the Cook Islands. The Policy Equality objectives statements are broad, high level and focused on achieving outcomes. The Strategic Actions Men and women are equal partners in the development of the Cook Islands and gender equality is the are also high-level and aim to achieve each objective. The accompanying Gender Action Plan contains heart of economic and social progress; it requires each partner to have equal conditions for realizing a matrix of work programme deliverables and activities, lead and implementing agencies, indicative their full potential, to contribute equally to national development, and benefit from those results. This is costings, organized by Outcomes, and Strategic Actions. A separate Monitoring Tool will be maintained a key principle that is also enshrined within our Cook Islands Constitution. by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and will contain information on the key outcome and output indicators Equity which will enable users to track progress against 2011 baseline data. Through justice and fairness in all decision making, we can improve the quality of life for our most The Ministry of Internal Affairs will work with government agencies and non-government organizations vulnerable. The Policy recognizes the special differences that exist within our community; sex, gender, to ensure work programmes and actions are implemented through their respective Agency Business age, geographic location, socio-economic status, ethnicity, religion, and other factors which can Plans. This will be the key planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting mechanism to ensure contribute to inequality. We must provide even more support to those with less agency, or without a we all work towards these common goals. Success requires the support and attention of all sectors of voice to ensure they too enjoy the highest standard of living government and our civil society partners in order to be effectively implemented. Harmony PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY The priorities identified within this policy reflect the aspirations and challenges faced by people living The purpose of this policy is to provide a comprehensive framework for accelerating and enhancing in the Cook Islands. This policy reinforces the values and aspirations as stated in our Kaveinga Nui and gender equality and the wellbeing of women in the Cook Islands. It will inform the development of the National Sustainable Development Plan 2016 – 2020, and the major sector policies and strategies in gender sensitive legislation and government policies. It reflects the priorities and concerns of all women the Cook Islands. These principles align with the Christian and cultural values, traditions, and institutions and girls. that promote peace, respect, equality, and unconditional love This policy recognizes that gender is not just about women. Relationships, and men and women’s Human Rights access to resources, are key elements of gender and development approaches. Consequently, the roles The women and men living in the Cook Islands are entitled to live a life of peace, freedom, and dignity. and issues of men and boys are critical in pursuing our national and local development goals from a This policy calls for the protection of the human rights of women and girls of all ages, marital status, gender equality perspective. and sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions. OUR VISION Inclusiveness A society where all women and men are protected, empowered, and actively engaged in national development This policy recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities exist for diverse people of different genders, location, age, physical abilities, and ethnicity, treating each person with fairness and OUR MISSION compassion. To ensure there is maximum benefit and value to the beneficiaries of this policy, we The Cook Islands Government, in partnership with Civil Society and all key stakeholders, are committed must ensure the inclusion of both men and women in the design, development and implementation of to the following mission: government programmes, policies, services and strategies. To establish and strengthen mechanisms that eliminate gender inequalities and empower women of all diversities in all sectors and at all levels 12 13 OUTCOME 1: A Gender Responsive Government Strategic Actions A gender responsive Government advancing gender equality and human rights • Review the constitutional and legislative framework to ensure consistency with CEDAW Gender has been recognized as a cross cutting issue in Government, however Gender perspectives and other relevant conventions are not yet systematically mainstreamed in all national policies, strategic plans, and programmes. This • Review the national machinery of government to ensure gender issues are causes concern considering policy interventions and programmes may have adverse or unintended systematically and effectively mainstreamed across all relevant sectors negative impacts on women and girls, resulting in greater gender inequality. • Ensure Government policy and decision-making processes, planning cycles, and The gender policy outcome indicators showed large gaps in our knowledge when it comes to measuring programme development processes are gender responsive results, and assessment the impact of past policy interventions, and programmes delivered. This • Strengthen the institutional and implementation framework through adequate human highlights the need for Government to strengthen the national statistical system, and improve our and financial resourcing capacity to effectively monitor programme outputs, indicators, and policy outcomes. • Ensure accurate data collection and information systems, and improve access and Key legislations may need to be reviewed, revised, developed to ensure equal rights to men and sharing of information between the Law and Order sector agencies (e.g. Ministry of women. Despite slow progress in passing legislations, a significant achievement to date has been Justice, Ministry of Corrective Services, Cook Islands Police, and other related agencies) the endorsement of the Family Protection and Support Act 2017 which provides clear definitions, ~ Strengthen Cook Islands Police Data and Information Management System to procedures, and protection measures for women and girls living in the Cook Islands. The CEDAW Law ensure accurate, regular, and reliable reporting on domestic violence cases Reform Programme will continue to review legislation to ensure the gender equality principles and ~ Support data and information sharing between Cook Islands Police and women’s human rights are respected. Ministry of Health to ensure case records are consistent and reliably reported, The Office of the Public Service Commissioner plays a crucial role in strengthening accountability secure, and confidential mechanisms and ensuring gender is mainstreamed across the public service. To maintain, or even ~ Establish mechanisms to generate, store, disseminate gender data, statistics, accelerate progress in achieving all key outcomes, efforts are needed to strengthen the institutional information and research across all government agencies and NGO’s. arrangements and accountability mechanisms. This includes working with coordinating and • Support and strengthen government capacity to produce and analyse relevant sex and implementing agencies, service providers, agencies responsible for monitoring and statistical systems, age disaggregated data. human resources, and financing. Without these critical support mechanisms in place, the nation will • Ensure that gender indicators are regularly monitored, analysed, reported, and used for lose momentum, and fall short of our goals and targets. planning and developing effective programmes and services • Strengthen the Cook Islands Human Rights Commission Policy Objectives • Strengthen public and community education opportunities to improve gender ~ Ensure gender perspectives and gender issues are systematically mainstreamed awareness at all levels into all national policies, planning processes, and programmes • Advocate for greater national commitment towards gender equality goals, and women’s empowerment • Strengthen the national statistical system to enable improved monitoring and measurement of policy outcomes • Strengthen the institutional arrangements and support services that enable agencies and individuals to coordinate, monitor, and report on gender activities and progress in the Cook Islands • Promote research into gender development in the Cook Islands ~ Promote gender equality at all levels, and protect the human rights of all women living in the Cook Islands 14 15 OUTCOME 2: Gender Equity in Leadership and Governance Strategic Actions A society where women and men actively participate in decision-making and governance • Support and encourage the participation of women in local communities to leaderships positions; politics This policy recognizes the important role of men and boys in advancing the equal and fair treatment of women, and women’s empowerment. Gender champions and leaders play a pivotal role in supporting • Establish education and awareness programmes to address negative gender women to pursue leadership roles and key positions in business, politics, and society. This is not just stereotypes, and reduce discrimination based on gender, age, disability a ‘women’s policy’, rather it asserts that men and women both play an equal role in pursuing better • Development programmes to promote, support and build the capacity of women in outcomes for all. It therefore prompts us to identify any challenges men and boys may face in relation politics to the Policy. The Policy can then develop appropriate support measures to address such challenges. • Advocate, support, promote workplace policies and practices that support women in the There are more women today in leadership and decision-making position in all sectors, and more young workplace women showing an interest in high level careers in government, politics and business. There are four • Develop programmes that build the capacity and confidence of women to attain high women in parliament (4/24 or 17% female representation), an increase by 13% since 2011. The Speaker level positions in politics and governance of the House, a proactive advocate and gender champion in the region, is also a female. Men continue to dominate in island governance nationally (80%). Women representation on local governance bodies in the Pa Enua stands at 14%, a 2% increase since 2011. However, we still fall short of the national target of 30% women in Parliament and 30% women in local governance. With greater advocacy, community support, and continuing the funding for the annual women’s mock parliament we can sustain progress in this area. In all primary and secondary education, girls are performing better than boys. There are also twice as many women pursuing tertiary degrees than men. Research indicates that education level is a strong indicator for women being able to participate in decision-making. Approximately 60% of public servants are women, however only 7 of the 34 public sector entities are headed by women (6 female Heads of Ministries and 1 CEO), therefore 20% of all high-level decision- making positions in government are held by women. In the private sector 55% of companies have female corporate or general managers. Greater support for the implementation of effective programmes is needed to accelerate progress in politics and island governance as gender inequalities persist. Policy Objectives •-Support and encourage the full participation of women in politics and decision making in local and central governance • Increase support and resources to recruit, retain and develop women leaders in politics and leadership positions in government • Develop women’s capacity to actively engage and contribute to policy and decision making at the local and national level 1 Census Report 2011 16 17 OUTCOME 3: Women’s Economic Empowerment The statistics support what is already widely known and accepted; that gender inequalities are greater An enabling environment for the full participation of women in our economic in the Pa Enua where traditional gender roles and gender stereotypes are more ingrained, access to development education, health, information, training, finance, and other services are limited, difficult, irregular or Cook Island families tend to combine full-time and part-time work (private or public sector) with small more expensive. Improvements in basic infrastructure, more affordable domestic travel, more reliable business and other agriculture or marine food production activities. More women operate within the and affordable internet, may help improve access to other important services and enable women to informal sector, particularly in the Pa Enua, and by operating small business at the markets. This take advantage of economic and educational opportunities online e.g. e-commerce, online markets, provides some women with the flexibility and freedom to engage in work that revolves around the e-learning, internet banking, etc. immediate needs of the family, while utilizing their traditional skills and knowledge e.g. handicrafts, weaving, tivaevae to generate some income for the family. Policy Objectives The labour force participation rate for women has increased steadily over the years to 65%, however • Promote gender equality in access to productive resources and earnings capacity, and significant barriers to entering the workforce remain. Women tend to do more unpaid work than men; as reduce barriers to women in business primary caregivers of children, elderly, and other vulnerable people in the household (and community), • Advance gender equality in the workplace they are responsible for 75% of all domestic duties and also expected to give up paid work to fulfil these • Protect the rights of all workers residing in the Cook Islands family responsibilities. This limits women in their pursuit of professional careers, high skilled and high paid jobs, promotions, or entrepreneurship. LFPRs for women are higher on Rarotonga; 70% compared Strategic Actions to 49% in the Southern Group, and 60% in the Northern Group, indicating a much higher gender gap • Improve women’s access to, and management of, financial resources (savings and exists in the Pa Enua. credit) by working in partnership with financial institutions Population in the Pa Enua has declined (-10%) between 2011 and 2016, and increased by 2% on • Establish and broaden basic financial literacy and business skills programme in Rarotonga. However, the Census indicates an increase in non-Cook Islands residents living on secondary schools, and adult education Rarotonga from 9% in 2001 to 16% in 2011. This is the result of an increase in foreign workers (1,538 foreign residents aged 15+, approximately 47% women, in 2011), which present yet another group • Promote policies and practices that reduce and eliminate income disparities between of vulnerable women without the same access to protection and support during their employment. men and women The Policy recognizes this increasing group of vulnerable women, and aims to explore and strengthen • Establish a National Employment Dispute Resolution Mechanism to address, or mechanism to protect their human and women’s rights. investigate employee grievances e.g. leave entitlements, pay disputes For women in the Pa Enua, establishing a formal business has been challenging. Efforts by Government • Strengthen collection of sex and age disaggregated national business data and and banks to simplify processes, provide information and training in English and Maori have helped statistics. This will enable more gender responsive monitoring and more informed improve women’s access to finance. SPS is researching ways to increase women’s economic decision-making about labour and employment policies and economic development. empowerment through access to credit and improving women’s financial and business literacy. The Labour and Consumer Services at the Ministry of Internal Affairs has reported issues regarding • Establish regulations, policies, and other relevant protection measures that eliminate discrimination practices and human rights violations in the private sector against young women (sexual discrimination in the workplace, and protect the rights of all workers, including Migrant harassment in the workplace), working mothers (denying maternity leave, firing women that fall Workers, in the Cook Islands pregnant, warning women not to get pregnant), workers in the informal sector, female foreign workers, women with disabilities (discrimination in recruitment of women with disabilities, firing women with a disability). 3 Census Report 2011 4 Economic Activity and Labour Force Analysis, February 5 Census Data 2016, National Statistics Office, and NSDP Indicator Report Year 1, Office of the Prime Minister 6 “An enquiry into employees experiences of sexual harassment by customers in the Cook Islands hospitality Industry”, Lisa Sadaraka, 2017 18 19 OUTCOME 4: Healthy Women and girls Policy Objectives A society where all women and girls’ rights are respected, and have healthy • Support women’s economic empowerment and reduce the personal cost to women lifestyles entering (and remaining in) the workforce The Cook Islands has a good track record for promoting maternal health with nearly all pregnant • Improve women’s access to markets, particularly those living in the Pa Enua women receiving antenatal care by skilled professionals. Progress has been made to reduce teenage • Protect women from all forms of discrimination and harassment in the workplace pregnancy in the last ten years, and reproductive healthcare is readily available. Sexually transmitted diseases are still high, chlamydia being most prevalent especially amongst youth, however cases have fallen from 330 in 2009, to 48 in 2016. There are few, if any, barriers for women to access health care Strategic Actions services in the Cook Islands. • Improve access to reproductive health services and family planning, education and communication campaigns on reproductive rights and family planning targeting men and Today Non-communicable disease (NCDs) are the main cause of illness and premature death for both women women and men, accounting for 75% of all cases in the health system. This figure increases by 2% • Explore and promote options that support women returning to work (e.g. establish each year. Approximately 6/10 new cancer patients are women. Many of these patients go to NZ for public day-care, provide subsidies for child-care services, promoting crèche areas in the more long-term treatment and care, placing considerable financial burden on families left behind. workplace) Efforts to reduce premature death by NCDs can be found in the NCD Strategy and National Health • Review Labour market policies to protect and support all women in the workplace, and Strategic Plan 2017, and while health services, education and awareness have increased, it will take promote shared responsibility for childcare; time before society as a whole adopts healthy habits and lifestyle changes. ~ Increase maternity leave from 6 to 12 weeks; Women have higher life expectancies than men by approximately 8 years. Women are the primary ~ Introduce Parental Leave policy to include support for fathers caregivers of the elderly, children, and people with disabilities in the family or village. As more women ~ Protect against dismissal during pregnancy or due to childbirth; gain economic independence, find work outside the home, and occupy more high-level positions, ~ Legislate nursing breaks; research shows that the amount and type of health problems they experience increases. More ~ Explore other mechanisms that support parents in the workplace; targeted interventions are needed to improve women and girls’ access to relevant, quality, affordable ~ Explore mechanisms to protect the rights of women foreign workers; healthcare. More interventions and support are also needed to change attitudes and ensure the burden of caregiving in the home is more equitably shared between men and women. • Advocate to strengthen critical infrastructure such as water, energy, transportation, and ICT networks in the Pa Enua Policy Objectives • Explore and support opportunities to improve women’s access to markets, particularly targeting women in the Pa Enua • Improve access to health information and quality services targeting women, girls and • Engage and support Gender Champions, leaders, mentors throughout our community other vulnerable people on Rarotonga, and in the Pa Enua to reduce premature death to promote the principles of gender equality from grass roots to the national level and from NCDs advocate for women’s rights • Promote women’s sexual and reproductive rights • Establish awareness campaign targeting employers on the rights and responsibilities of employers, and employees in the workplace Strategic Actions • Support health research on NCDs and Mental health exploring issues from a gender perspective • Establish relevant, targeted mental health programmes and services and improve women and girls’ access to mental health information and support 7 The four main NCD are cardiovascular diseases (inclusive of hypertension, stroke (CVA), heart diseases, heart failure, myocardial infarction, renal impairment and end stage renal failure), diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases (inclusive of asthma, bronchiectasis, emphysema and chronic bronchitis) and cancer. National Health bulletin 2016, Ministry of Health 20 21 OUTCOME 5: Eliminating gender-based violence and violence against women Strategic Actions A society where all women and girls are protected from all forms of violence and • Develop an awareness campaign to promote and support women’s sexual and discrimination reproductive rights on Rarotonga, and in the Pa Enua Violence against women (VAW) is one of the most concerning human rights violations and issues in • Establish and support targeted education programmes that aim to reduce risky behaviours, and encourage positive, healthy life choices the world today, and is ingrained in many societies around the world. The 2012 Cook Islands Family Health and Safety study (FHSS) shows a high prevalence of domestic violence on Rarotonga, and in the • Establish and improve respite care and services for the elderly, and people with disabilities, and explore new and more gender equitable mechanisms to support care- Pa Enua with one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence by their partners at some givers of the sick and infirm point in their lives. Alcohol is a significant contributing factor to this high statistic. The prevalence of domestic violence is higher against women and girls with disabilities, and women living in the Pa Enua. More research is needed to examine the prevalence of violence against foreign women workers, and transgender people. Domestic violence reporting has increased steadily over the years from 123 cases in 2011, to 218 cases in 2016, although this could be the result of effective advocacy and awareness campaigns, and an increase in public confidence in the justice system, rather than an actual increase in domestic violence incidents. Needless to say, this domestic violence is still a big problem in our community. Establishing reliable, regular reporting on domestic violence statistics can help policy and decision makers determine the efficacy of ongoing efforts to reduce domestic and other forms of gender-based violence in the Cook Islands. Access to justice, specifically legal services, police enforcement and support, on Rarotonga has improved since the establishment of the Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) at the Cook Islands Police, instituting the “No Drop” policy, and the provision of free counselling and legal aid to women and victims of domestic violence. Access is more difficult still for women living in the Pa Enua, and again more so for women with disabilities, women with no or little formal education, and women without employment or income. With all this progress however, we still fall short of reaching our target of reducing, and ideally eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls. The Family Protection and Support Act 2017 will require increased resourcing to ensure effective enforcement and implementation of relevant programmes and services targeting victims and perpetrators of gender-based violence. Policy Objectives • Promote gender equality, women’s human rights, and reinforce commitment to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women • Promote awareness about, and sensitivity to, domestic violence among researchers, policy makers, law enforcement officers, and health care providers 8 Te Ata o te Ngakau – Shadows of the Heart; The Cook Islands Family Health and Safety Study (FHSS) 2012 9 FHSS 2012, pg. 13 10 Source: Cook Islands Police Service, February 2016 22 23 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS Strategic Actions The implementation of the National Policy on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, and the • Work to change women’s and men’s attitudes, perceptions, beliefs, and behaviours achievement of these six key outcomes requires the contribution of all levels of Government and Civil regarding gender-based violence, violence against women, and domestic violence through education and research Society. • Ensure that women play a key role in decision-making and efforts related to addressing The Cook Islands Government Agency Business Planning, Performance and Budget process remains a violence against women key component in the implementation, monitoring, and reporting on key work programme deliverables. • Strengthen legal frameworks, law enforcement services, and justice systems Budget allocations are captured in the Agency Business Plans, whether they be agency appropriations or development partner funding. Government Agencies submit reports every six months to the Office of Part A) Prevention Strategic Actions the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC), who submits a consolidated report to Parliament on an annual • Develop, implement, and evaluate targeted education programmes and awareness basis. NGO’s are also encouraged to incorporate these strategies and actions into their respective campaigns to improve understanding of healthy relationships, and reduce negative gender business plans. stereotypes targeting youth, families, and other relevant groups A Steering Committee will be established, consisting of a few key stakeholder representatives that will • Strengthen and support early childhood development education programmes drive the Policy and action plan forward, and ensure progress towards key outcomes are accelerated, if that promote better understanding of healthy relationships not maintained. Members of this committee will consist of high-level gender advocates and champions, • Support Positive Parenting Toolbox community programmes on all islands gender and policy advisors, relevant government and CSO representatives whose focus will remain • Strengthen and support Healthy Relationships and Gender programme into on developing and promoting effective programmes and services that align to the Policy objectives, school curriculum and train teachers to deliver it effectively mainstreaming gender equity and social inclusion across the public and private sectors, and advocating • Establish targeted community education programmes to develop knowledge, for gender quality and women’s empowerment. understanding, and skills to build healthy relationships The following section describes the role of different agencies in the implementation, coordination, • Establish and strengthen national commitment and advocacy programmes targeting monitoring, and reporting of the NPGEWE. decision-makers, including parliamentarians, high level government officials, media, religious and community leaders as gender champions and leaders of change The Social Policy and Services Division, Ministry of Internal Affairs The Social Policy and Service Division at the Ministry of Internal Affairs was established early in Part B) Strengthening Support Services 2018, encompassing Gender, Youth, Disability, and Sports into a single cohesive body responsible for Community and civil society organizations play a crucial role to supporting families and individuals coordinating programmes and services across the Cook Islands. The Gender Advisor situated within this who are experiencing gender-based violence, discrimination, and domestic violence. Training, education, awareness, and advocacy can be extended to church leaders, village clubs (e.g. rugby, office will be responsible for coordinating all efforts relating to the Gender Policy and Action Plan over the netball, soccer), village leaders, community role models. next five years, and will therefore be working closely with all implementing agencies to ensure gender programmes are implemented successfully, adequately monitored, and regularly reported on. They will • Encourage and support civil society organizations, and individuals, to become gender champions within their own communities, clubs, organizations also be responsible for reviewing the Policy again after five years, to ensure programmes and services are relevant, and aligned to the Policy objectives. Ongoing responsibilities will involve coordinating • Support and strengthen family and partner counselling services on Rarotonga, and in the gender training, awareness raising, communications, coordinating gender research, advocating for Pa Enua more comprehensive and inclusive gender programmes, working with government agencies to collect • Establish and strengthen rehabilitation programmes targeting perpetrators of domestic and analyse data on gender indicators, collaborating with various stakeholders on gender initiatives, violence, and offer support to change violent behaviours and other gender responsibilities. • Strengthen enforcement measures to ensure perpetrators receive appropriate treatment and support 24 25 The Island Secretary’s and Women Development Officer’s The National Statistics Office (NSO) and the National Statistical System (NSS) Women of the outer islands experience greater gender inequalities than women in Rarotonga. Women Significant improvements have been made to ensure sex and disaggregated data are being collected Development Officers, under the authority of their respective Island Secretary, can play an important and reported on, however significant gaps in reporting remain. This policy emphasises the need to role in promoting the implementation of the Policy through the islands development plans. They can strengthen the monitoring and evaluation framework, thereby enabling policy and decision makers to help agencies coordinate interventions that address gender inequality issues and women’s needs, and track our progress towards gender equality goals and outcomes, and make better informed decisions support women’s empowerment processes. They will liaise with the Gender and Development Division that result in the implementation of better gender programmes, services, and policies. The NSO’s role is of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for coordination purposes but also to monitor and relay information to produce relevant statistics that inform national development, and coordinate efforts to strengthen the about the progress and gaps in implementing the Policy and addressing outer islands women’s needs National Statistical System as a whole. The Social Policy and Service Division must work in collaboration and gender inequalities. with the NSO to ensure the appropriate data is collected and analysed for timely gender reporting, and to support continuous improvements to gender data and information systems. The Cook Islands National Council of Women The role of the Cook Islands National Council of Women (CINCW) is to serve as a focal point for the Monitoring and reporting framework civil society organizations, and to facilitate information sharing and collaboration between Government, The Ministry of Internal Affairs Social Policy and Service Office will be responsible for establishing communities, NGO’s and development partners. The CINCW will act as a key channel for information and maintaining an appropriate monitoring system to keep track of all relevant data, indicators, and – between the civil society organizations and the Social Policy and Services Division and will support activities carried out during the next five years. consultation processes on the Policy and implementation of the strategic action plan. As a member of the Steering Committee and the task forces, it will provide feedback about the implementation of the AGENCY REPORT REPORTING TO TIMING Policy and gender related concerns expressed by civil society and Cook Islands women. It will play Monthly, a key role in disseminating information to the Cook Islands population about the Policy and women’s Social Policy and Ser- Divisional Head of Ministry 6-monthly, vices Division (SPS) Progress Report (HOM), PSC human’s rights. It will contribute to monitoring and reporting on the progress and the remaining gaps annually for achieving gender equality and protecting women’s human rights. Ministry of Internal Agency Business Plan PSC and Cabinet Annual The Office of the Public Service Commissioner MONITORING DURING Affairs (WPDs, KPIs) THE IMPLEMENT- Mainstreaming requires the commitment of central agencies, especially the agency responsible for Progress Report on ACTION PHASE SPS NPGEWE actions and INTAFF HOM 6 months, annual the administration of the public service, and pivotal in strengthening accountability mechanism in indicators Government. The Public Service Commissioner’s authority extends to the 14 heads of public service Women’s Monthly, departments, and their employees, who are all governed under the Public Service Act (amended in Annual Business Island Development 6 monthly, and Plans Administration 2016). The co-operation of the Public Service Commissioner is integral to the effective mainstreaming Officers annually of gender, as the Commissioner has the legislative mandate to review the Machinery of Government, Midyear progress and enforce accountability and responsibility across government to progressing gender equality in MIDTERM REVIEW SPS Review of NPGEWE All stakeholders update 2020 the Cook Islands. Strengthening partnerships and co-operation between central agencies and the commitment of the Public Service Commissioner to incorporate gender mainstreaming in the public End of policy term EVALUATION SPS Evaluation Report All stakeholders 2022 service is necessary as a first step to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. 26 27 GENDER ACTION PLAN 2019 OUTCOME 1. A Gender Responsive Government Strengthen the institutional Desired outcome: A gender responsive Government advancing gender equality and Establish Gender as a priority development and implementation framework goal within the government medium-term MFEM, OPM, OPSC human rights through adequate human and budget framework, Budget Policy Statement financial resourcing Policy Objectives 1. Ensure gender perspectives and gender issues are systematically mainstreamed into all national policies, planning processes, and programmes 2. Strengthen the national statistical system to enable improved monitoring and Coordinate with Pacific Women to develop Ensure accurate data collection gender database, e-library, gender research measurement of policy outcomes portal, and other relevant information and information systems, and Social Policy 3. Strengthen the institutional arrangements and support services that enable agencies improve access and sharing of resources Division and and individuals to coordinate, monitor, and report on gender activities and progress in the gender statistics, research and Strengthen government information National Statistics information between government systems to ensure relevant quality data is Office Cook Islands and NGO’s sex-disaggregated, and gender indicators 4. Promote research into gender development in the Cook Islands are monitored and reported 5. Promote gender equality at all levels, and protect the human rights of all women living in the Cook Islands Strengthen National Statistics System to Social Policy STRATEGIC WORK PROGRAMME Support and strengthen develop, and analyse Social and Gender LEAD AGENCY BUDGET Division and ACTIONS DELIVERABLES government capacity to produce Data by establishing a Social and Gender National Statistics relevant sex disaggregated data Statistician, and providing adequate Office resourcing Review the constitutional and Law Reform Programme to embed CEDAW legislative framework to ensure CROWN LAW OFFICE articles into the relevant legislative and consistency with CEDAW and (CLO) Ensure that gender indicators are statutory reforms across Government Establish Government Gender database to Social Policy other relevant conventions regularly monitored and reported monitor and track gender indicators Division and NSO on annually Establish a multi-agency cross sector Review the national machinery platform/mechanism to communicate, of government to ensure gender SOCIAL POLICY AND Strengthen the Human Rights Increase resourcing and support to the SPS and collaborate, and drive gender issues across issues are systematically and SERVICES DIVISION Commission Human Rights Commission Office Ombudsman all sectors, at all levels of government and effectively mainstreamed across (SPS) AND OPSC civil society e.g. Gender and Social Progress all relevant sectors Forum held every quarter Develop a Gender Equality & Social Strengthen public and community Inclusion Training and Mentoring Gender considerations are integrated into education programmes to Programme, and Identify a Focal point in SPS the Policy and Planning Development improve gender awareness at all each Ministry to enrol into the Programme. Process; e.g. Policy Toolkit, Cabinet Manual, levels (See Pacific Women for development Parliamentarians Handbook, Business funding support) Ensure gender is mainstreamed Planning Guidelines and Training Workshops in Government policy and Central Policy and decision-making processes, Review Government Business Plans to Planning office and planning cycles, and programme ensure work programmes are integrated and OPSC development (Institutionalising adequately resourced Explore new opportunities to Establish a Gender mainstreaming and Gender) Develop Training Programme targeting mainstream gender across Gender Equality Initiative (taskforce) to OPSC and government officials; policy advisors, senior government, and reduce gender examine mechanism that may reduce MINTAFF level management, heads of agencies on inequality, and monitor progress gender inequality in the workplace gender issues/considerations, etc. 28 29 GENDER ACTION PLAN 2019 OUTCOME 3. Women’s Economic Empowerment OUTCOME 2. Gender Equity in Leadership and Governance Desired outcome: An enabling environment for the full participation of women in Desired outcome: A society where women and men actively participate in decision- economic development making and governance Policy Objectives Policy Objectives 1. Promote gender equality in access to productive resources and earnings capacity, and 1. Support and encourage the full participation of women in politics and decision making reduce barriers to women in business in local and central governance 2. Advance gender equality in the workplace 2. Increase support and resources to recruit, retain and develop women leaders in politics 3. Protect the rights of all workers residing in the Cook Islands and leadership positions in government STRATEGIC WORK PROGRAMME STRATEGIC WORK PROGRAMME LEAD AGENCY BUDGET LEAD AGENCY BUDGET ACTIONS DELIVERABLES ACTIONS DELIVERABLES Establish TSM Advocacy and Technical Support and encourage the Develop Financial Services and Advisory group to explore ways to increase Improve women’s access to financial participation of women in local Packages that increase women’s SPS with Private the number for women in politics and local Parliament resources (savings and credit) by working communities to leaderships access to finance e.g. micro-loans, Sector governance positions, support and develop in partnership with financial institutions positions; politics business start-up loans, etc. these women Gender Equality & Social Incorporate financial literacy Establish education and Inclusion Training and programmes in formal school awareness programmes to SPS to support Mentoring Programme curriculum address negative gender coordination Establish basic financial literacy and MOE stereotypes, and reduce (GE&SITMP) between all Develop community education business skills programme in secondary BTIB discrimination based on gender, Develop a Gender Communication stakeholders schools, and adult education programme; financial literacy, SPS age, disability Strategy, and resource plan business management, and other relevant skills and deliver training Implement Women’s Annual Mock Parliament (print and online) to the Pa Enua Development programmes to and Workshop targeting; Young women/ SPS, NCW and promote, support and build the Develop TOR to conduct Youth, Women Leaders, Women in the Pa Parliament Services Promote policies and practices that capacity of women in politics research into pay parity, with Enua reduce and eliminate income disparities recommendations and interventions between men and women to address pay disparity Conduct Research; Undertake study in the CI on gender inequality policies and practices Advocate, support, promote in the workplace (private and public Establish a National Employment Dispute workplace policies and practices sector) with recommendations for targeted Chamber of Resolution Mechanism to address, or Establish a National Employment interventions SPS that support women in the Commerce, BPWN investigate employee grievances e.g. Dispute Resolution Mechanism workplace Promote participation for Women’s network leave entitlements, pay disputes for Business and Professional Women; mentoring, support, training, champions Strengthen sex and age disaggregated Establish Gender and Social Develop Training and Mentoring national business data and statistics Develop programmes that build Programmes for women leaders and future Statistician with NSO to produce the capacity and confidence collection to enable better monitoring gender analysis parliamentarians; SPS and NSO of women to attain high Parliament Services and informed decision-making on labour Establish Celebrating Women Leaders in the and employment policies and economic Support to implement the Labour level positions in politics and Force survey in the CI governance Cook Islands (International Women’s Day) development from a gender perspective Promotional Campaign 30 31 Review Employment Relations Act, and Develop TOR to explore online business Establish regulations, policies, and Public Service Act, and other relevant opportunities, and develop a e-Market other relevant protection measures legislations and regulations to eliminate strategy for women in the Pa Enua that eliminate discrimination in the gender discrimination, promote equal CLO workplace, and protect the rights of all opportunity, equality of treatment, and Advocate for reliable, affordable domestic workers in the Cook Islands protect the rights of ALL women in the transport services to the Pa Enua, and Explore and support opportunities Cook Islands explore other opportunities to improve to improve women’s access to BTIB, CI Tourism, women’s access to markets markets, particularly targeting NCW, MINTAF women in the Pa Enua Undertake feasibility study on product OUTCOME 3. Women’s Economic Empowerment amalgamation and quality control models that have successfully supported women Desired outcome: An enabling environment for the full participation of women in producers in remote areas in other Pacific economic development Countries. For example, Rise Beyond the Reef model. Policy Objectives 1. Support women’s economic empowerment and reduce the personal cost to women Engage and support Gender entering (and remaining in) the workforce Champions, leaders, mentors in 2. Improve women’s access to markets, particularly those living in the Pa Enua all communities to promote the Gender Champion Initiative MINTAFF principles of gender equality from 3. Protect women from all forms of discrimination and harassment in the workplace grass roots to the national level and advocate for women’s rights STRATEGIC WORK PROGRAMME LEAD AGENCY BUDGET ACTIONS DELIVERABLES Raise awareness targeting Initiate a Public Awareness Campaign employers on the Rights and targeting businesses in the Private MINTAFF Responsibilities of employers, and Sector, and all employees; Ref: Gender Explore and promote options that employees in the workplace Communication Strategy Review existing support services/ support women returning to work mechanisms and produce recommendations OPSC, Labour Office, (e.g. establish public day-care, on targeted interventions to be developed SPS, Chamber of provide subsidies for child-care e.g. Maternity Leave, child care policies, etc Commerce services, promoting crèche areas for the public and private sector in the workplace) Review Labour market policies to Report on recommended changes to policies Labour and protect and support all women in and regulations Consumer Division the workplace; Ensure Gender considerations Establish Gender criteria in all relevant are made when planning critical government project, programme, policy and MFEM, OPM and infrastructure projects such as budget proposals, concept notes, design OPSC water, energy, transportation, and documents ICT networks in the Pa Enua 32 33 OUTCOME 4. Healthy Women and Girls Desired outcome: A society where all women and girls’ rights are respected, and have healthy lifestyles Review, support respite care services Establish and improve respite care and develop targeted interventions to CIFWA and MOH Refer also to the Cook Islands National Health Strategy 2018, Rauti Para Policy (Senior and services for the elderly, and support respite care workers citizens), Disabilities Policy, and other relevant Social and Health Policies and Strategies people with disabilities, and explore for more details. new mechanisms to support care- Explore new opportunities to provide givers of the sick and infirm improved respite care for the aging Policy Objectives population in the Cook Islands 1. Improve access to health information and quality services targeting women, girls and other vulnerable people on Rarotonga, and in the Pa Enua to reduce premature death from NCDs OUTCOME 5. Eliminating Gender based violence and Violence against Women 2. Promote women’s sexual and reproductive health rights Desired outcome: A society where all women and girls are protected from all forms of violence and discrimination STRATEGIC WORK PROGRAMME Refer also to the Cook Islands National Health Strategy 2018, Rauti Para Policy (Senior citizens), LEAD AGENCY BUDGET ACTIONS DELIVERABLES Disabilities Policy, and other relevant Social and Health Policies and Strategies for more details. Policy Objectives Develop TORs for Research on gender and Support health research on NCDs health, focusing on NCDS and Mental Health, MOH 1. Promote gender equality, women’s human rights, and reinforce commitment to and Mental health exploring and other relevant health issues eliminate all forms of discrimination against women issues from a gender perspective 2. Promote awareness about, and sensitivity to, domestic violence among researchers, Establish relevant, targeted Establish and strengthen counselling support MOH and PTI policy makers, law enforcement officers, and health care providers mental health programmes and services services and improve women and 3. Work to change women’s and men’s attitudes, perceptions, beliefs, and behaviours Establish and strengthen professional girls’ access to mental health counselling and Cognitive Behavioural regarding gender-based violence, violence against women, and domestic violence information and support Therapy services through education and research, to prevent and reduce violence in the community 4. Ensure that women play a key role in decision-making and efforts related to Sexual and Reproductive Health Education MOE, SPS, and MOH addressing violence against women Develop an awareness campaign Programme delivered in Schools and and CIFWA to promote and support women’s Community Education Centre (face-to-face 5. Strengthen Legal Frameworks, law enforcement services, and justice systems and sexual and reproductive health and online) other national mechanisms to reduce domestic and all forms of violence against women rights on Rarotonga, and in the Pa Develop appropriate educational materials and girls Enua in English and Maori on women’s sexual and reproductive rights (print and online) Implement the Youth Mentoring MOE, CITTI, SPS, and Programme MOH and CIFWA Develop and promote Trade Programmes that develop healthy habits, skills, behaviours e.g. healthy cooking classes Establish and support targeted education programmes that aim Work with CI Sports associations and MOA to reduce risky behaviours, and community groups to encourage you people encourage positive, healthy life to participate in sports and recreational choices targeting youth activities Promote Family and Communal Gardens programme Promote Community Parenting Toolbox Workshops 34 35 Advocate for an increase in public STRATEGIC WORK PROGRAMME funding for Law enforcement LEAD AGENCY BUDGET ACTIONS DELIVERABLES and Justice systems to develop and maintain programmes and CLO, Police, MOJ, MCS Establish gender and healthy MOE services identified in this policy; e.g. relationships as part of the school Strengthen the Domestic Violence curriculum at all levels (ECE, Primary, Unit Secondary), addressing negative Strengthen Legal Frameworks, law Strengthen government gender stereotypes enforcement services, and justice administrative data and information CIP and NSO Parenting Toolbox Community systems systems (e.g. databases) to enable Education Programme CIP/DVU, CIFWA, NCW reliable, accurate reporting on Develop Education and Awareness domestic violence and other relevant Develop, implement, and Campaign on Domestic and statistics, particularly Police, MCS PTI evaluate targeted education Gender Based Violence, targeting and MOJ programmes and awareness general public; develop educational Ensure ongoing free legal support campaigns to improve material (print and online) available to vulnerable groups understanding of healthy Develop Training Programme relationships, and reduce (Workshop) targeting first responders PTI, CIFWA, NCW and Develop and support capacity negative gender stereotypes e.g. police officers, health workers, SPS building that target law targeting youth, families, and lawyers, etc. for relevant issues enforcement to reduce Training and Development other relevant groups e.g. gender sensitivity, responding negative gender stereotypes, Programme and Training Needs Police, MOJ, PTI to domestic violence cases, gender discrimination, analysis (above) working with women and children, domestic and gender-based counselling basics, etc. violence Conduct a Training Needs Analysis to identify skill gaps amongst service providers; Health, Police, Legal services, Counsellors, etc. Develop and support capacity building of medical personnel, counsellors, and other service Training and Development Establish a Youth Leadership CIYC, RAC, SPS providers working directly with Programme and Training Needs Police, MOJ, PTI Programme to develop youth victims and perpetrators in the analysis (above) Gender Champions area of domestic violence, and Work with Religious Advisory Council gender-based violence to identify Gender Champions and Establish and strengthen Community Leaders advocating national commitment and for gender equality and addressing advocacy programmes negative gender stereotypes Review existing mental health targeting decision-makers, Establish Parliamentarian services; e.g. psychological and including parliamentarians, Gender education and Induction counselling support services, policies programme, and incorporate Gender and procedures, identifying gaps and high level government considerations in the Parliamentarian opportunities for development officials, media, religious and Handbook; CEDAW, Family Protection Develop and strengthen community leaders as gender Act, etc. counselling support services Develop and strengthen champions and leaders of targeting both victims and Rehabilitation Programme for MOH and Ministry of Gender Champion Initiative; change establish high level and high-profile perpetrators of domestic perpetrators of Domestic violence; Justice, MCS gender champions (male and female) violence on Rarotonga and in e.g. anger management, alcohol and focal points in each agency, the Pa Enua abuse Island Council, and community Establish a Peer and mentor groups and encourage participation support Programme for men in in the GE&SITMP partnership with local communities, the Church, and NGOs 36 37 Cook Islands Gender Indicators How will we measure progress? Support the role of the Church The gender indicators listed here have been adopted from the 2011 gender policy and implementation to provide family and partner plan. A midterm review was conducted in 2014, and again in 2017, the results of which can be found counselling, particularly in the Pa in the NPGEWE Progress Report - Outcomes, Indicators and Actions - March 2018. These indicators Enua are a work-in-progress, reflecting continuous improvements to the National Statistical System and the Gender Monitoring and Evaluation system. OUTCOME 1: Encourage and support civil society organizations, and Gender-Responsive Government’s Programs and Policies individuals, to become gender Gender Champion Initiative MINTAFF champions within their own • A mechanism in place for reviewing and provide advice on every bill and policy proposed to communities, clubs, organizations the parliament to ensure its compliance to CEDAW • Accountability to achieve targets in term of gender equity and equality in relation to the sector is embedded in public service staff TORs – at all levels and it part of performance appraisal Support training opportunities and • Annual report on the progresses made for achieving the Policy outcomes professional development for Cook Islanders in mental health, counselling, therapy etc. to • Availability of sex disaggregated data set in each sector increase the number of health professionals Support and strengthen family • CEDAW report is presented to CEDAW committee every 4 years in country and partner counselling services MOE Ensure adequate resourcing is available • Existence of a national mechanism responsible to monitor progresses – steering committee on Rarotonga, and in the Pa Enua for family, partner, and other forms of counselling services on Rarotonga and task forces Increase the number of professional mental • Gender e-library health workers • Increased budget for addressing gender issues at the national and local level and in the sectors Refer to Rehabilitation Programme • Increased human and financial resources of GADD Establish and strengthen rehabilitation programmes Establish, and strengthen rehabilitation • Increased information in overall gender equality situation and improved capacity to monitor targeting perpetrators of domestic services and other support services the progresses violence, and offer support to available to men e.g. Rotaianga, and ensure MOJ, MCS change violent behaviours services are fit for purpose and adequately • Increased number of collaborations between GADD and central and sectoral ministries resourced • Information on key indicators of gender equality is produced and regularly updated • Number of Cook Islands laws and policies reflect CEDAW’s commitments • Number of existing laws and policies inducing direct or indirect discrimination against women Strengthen rehabilitation reviewed and amended measures to ensure perpetrators receive appropriate medical, MOH and MOJ • Number of gender responsive policies and programs emotional, etc. treatment and support • Number of high and mid-level managers have been trained on the production and use of sex disaggregated data • Number of meetings at high level decision making where the GEWE policy is mentioned and/ or discussed 38 39 OUTCOME 2: • Number of national policies, strategies and programs include sex disaggregated data and gender analysis Equitable Participation of Women and Men in Decision-Making and Governance Systems • Number of policies, strategies and programmes within which gender perspective is mainstreamed • Increased number of votes for women’s candidates • Number of provisions and resources allocated to address priorities and needs of both women • Increased number of women as candidates for elections and men by government programs in every sector • Increased number of women elected • Number of recommendations made by the CEDAW committee implemented in a timely • Increased number of women in decision making positions in all sectors (politic, economic, manner social, cultural, religious) • Number of reports with references to the GEWE policy • Increased number of women in each political party • Number of sectors where women and men have the same opportunity to benefit from • Increased number of women in senior management positions in the private sector government services and programs, especially in the Pa Enua • Increased number of women in senior management positions in the public sector • Number of senior and mid-level managers who have built their capacity to identify gender issues in their sector and develop initiatives to address those issues • Increased number of women participating in political decision making (in parliament and in the local governance bodies) • Number of senior and mid-level managers who participated in gender mainstreaming training • Increased to at least 30% the representation of women in decision making positions in all sectors (politic, economic, social, cultural, religious) • Increased to at least 30% the representation of women in high-level decision-making bodies • Increased to at least 30% the representation of women in local governance bodies (Pa Enua) • Increased to at least 30% the representation of women in the parliament and in the government (central and Pa Enua) • Number of articles and programs where women’s human rights and gender issues are mentioned or discussed • Number of fair coverage of women’s candidates to election and women in decision making positions • Number of measures promoted by political parties’ programmes for addressing gender issues • Number of measures to support women candidate at elections • Reduction of stereotypes circulated through the medias 11 All reports can be requested from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Social Policy and Service Division 40 41 OUTCOME 3: OUTCOME 4: An Enabling Environment for the Full Participation of Women in Economic Improved Capacity of Women to Address Health Issues Development • Improved access to healthy food • All working parents (mothers and fathers, primary caregivers) are entitled to paternity leave • Improved sexual reproductive health of young women and adolescent • Elimination of all discriminatory practices that contribute to deprive women to access and • Increased access to condoms for teenagers control productive assets • Increased access to contraceptive to teenagers • Employment relations bill enacted, and resourced • Increased number of women and men performing physical activities on a regular basis • Enforcement of legislation on pay equity • Legislations and policies in relation to women’s sexual and reproductive rights comply with • Equal Employment Opportunity policy in place CEDAW commitments • Identification of the causes of pay disparity • Number of boys and girls participating in awareness raising initiatives • Improved women’s role/ knowledge and skills in agriculture and fisheries and traditional • Number of initiatives organized to inform and raise awareness about sexual and reproductive livelihood rights • Increased access to market for enterprises led by women from Pa Enua • Number of women and participating in awareness raising initiatives and accessing information • Increased capacity/skill in business management • Number of women asserting their right; using contraceptive • Increased employment rate of women • Reduce by 30 % of teenage pregnancy (goal of the National Sustainable Development Plan) • Increased financial security of household, especially in the Pa Enua • Reduced by 30% of incidence rate of NCD • Increased number of enterprises created and managed by women • Reduced drudgery of women (who are taking care of family members with NCD) • Increased number of women accessing bank loans • Reduced number of cases of STI among teenagers (30% overall population) • Increased number of women involved in the creation and management of enterprises • Reproductive rights of women are respected – including women with disability • Increased number of women participating in business management training • Significant reduction of NCD in the overall population • Number of initiatives aiming to inform women and men about labour’s rights • Significant reduction of pregnancy cases among adolescents • Pay equity between women and men in all sectors • Significant reduction of STI cases number among young women and adolescent • Percentage of women participating in training programs for up-scaling their knowledge and skills • Sexual harassment policies in the workplace developed and enforced in all places of work • Working conditions and social security benefits established for workers in lowest paying sectors including contract workers and migrant workers 42 43 OUTCOME 5: Elimination of Gender based violence and Violence against Women (VAW) GENDER POLICY Vision for the National Sustainable FRAMEWORK Future 15 years Development Goals • Adoption of legislation and establishment of measures against gender-based violence LEGISLATIVE MANDATE What we want • Availability of data on crime and violence collected and analysed from a gender perspective International National Gender to achieve on a regular basis Commitments: 10 years Policy 2011 - 2016 Conventions • Availability of data on injuries caused by gender-based violence compiles by hospital and Declarations How are going to clinics Gender Strategy achieve it 5 years & Action Plan • Decreased in the rate of domestic violence • Establishment of effective mechanisms and facilities for dealing with all forms of gender- How are going to implement it Agency Business based violence and abuse Development Plan Partners; 3 years National • Improved judiciary services ODA Support Technical How are going Budget assistance Capacity • Increased number of official complaints administrated by court to implement it Individual development Monthly, Quarterly Work Plan • Information on incidence and causes of gender-based violence • Number of awareness raising initiatives targeting the media and the large public on the links between gender stereotypes and discriminations and violence against women • Number of local initiatives set for intervening in case of domestic violence and supporting Figure 1 Gender Policy and Planning Framework, and alignment to National Development Priorities victims • Number of medical and police staff trained – including in the Pa Enua • Number of members of the judiciary, law enforcement, prosecutors and medical and media personnel, traditional chiefs and church leaders trained in understandings the dynamics of all forms of gender-based violence and obligations under relevant international conventions • Number of men active in initiatives for combating gender-based violence • Number of perpetrators of violence against women who took part to anger management and conflict resolution sessions • Number of services available for protecting and supporting victims and their children • Reduction of incidence of domestic violence • Reduction of incidence of VAW 44 45

Annex 2 Gender Policy and the National Sustainable Development Plan 2016-2020 SUPPORTING CI POLICY, STRATEGY, The Cook Islands National Sustainable Development, Te Kaveinga Nui, was developed in 2007 and is the NPGEWE LEGISLATION 15-year visionary framework for the social, environmental, and economic development. Our National Vision is for all people living in the Cook Islands to enjoy the highest quality of life consistent with the • CI Strategy for the Development of Statistics 2015-2025 aspirations of our people, and in harmony with our culture and environment. • CI Public Sector Strategy 2015-2025 OUTCOME 1: Gender Responsive The achievement of each development goal cannot be fully realized without the full involvement Government • Government Training and Development Policy 2016 and engagement of women. The National Sustainable Development Plan 2016 – 2020 reaffirms • CI Policy Development Guidelines 2016 our commitment to achieving Gender Equality as a priority in Goal 9 Accelerate gender equality, empower all girls, and advance the rights of youth, the elderly and people with disabilities. • Public Service Act 2009, amended 2017 This goal is consistent with the Global Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goal 5 Achieve OUTCOME 2: Gender Equity in • Public Service Management and Employment Policy 2014 Gender Equality and empower all women and girls. Leadership and Governance • CI National Youth Policy 2017 Gender is recognized as a key cross cutting issue, and has been supported in various other national • CI Education policies and Master Plan policies and sector plans such as the National Children’s Policy 2017, Cook Islands Tourism Policy 2016, National Health Strategy 2017-2021, Education Master Plan 2008-2023, and the Climate Change Policy, • National Culture Policy 2017-2030 OUTCOME 3: Women’s Economic to name only a few. • Employment Relations Act Empowerment • CI Sustainable Tourism Development Policy Framework 2016 • CI National Health Strategic Plan 2017 “ • Education Act 2012 & Education Master Plan • Reproductive Health Policy National Development Goal 9: OUTCOME 4: Healthy Women • Mental Health Policy and Girls • NCD Action Plan Accelerate gender equality, empower • Sexual and Reproductive health Strategic Plan “ all women and girls, and advance the • National Disability Policy nights of youth, the elderly and • CI Children’s Policy 2018 disabled OUTCOME 5: Violence against • Cook Islands Family Protection Act 2017 THE COOK ISLANDS women • Domestic Violence Referral Mechanism Policy N AT I O N A L S U S TA I N A B L E DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2016 - 2020 Gender and Island Government; Business and Strategic Plans The Island Governments are each responsible for developing their own respective Business Plans, and medium-long term Community Sustainable Development Plans (CSDPs) which articulate their respective The NPGEWE and Action Plan will incorporate the NSDP Goals and indicators within a newly developed development priorities, including gender and social development. Most Island plans reinforce the commitment Results Management Framework that will allow Government to monitor and track progress against to gender quality and women’s empowerment, however strategies, programmes and services delivered will Gender goals at the National Level. differ depending on the needs of each island community. Gender mainstreaming across all sector and island Each government agency and organization will implement the Policy through their Annual Business plans will require the sustained, and ongoing support of all if we hope to maintain progress in achieving these Plans. Monitoring and reporting of the Policy will be tied into existing government reporting process to gender and development outcomes for the benefit of all. reduce reporting duplication and burden on smaller agencies. The national sector policies and strategies are equally important in reinforcing actions that engage, promote and support women in each area of our social, environmental and economic development, and are all positive steps towards gender mainstreaming. 46 47

Annex 4 National, Regional and International Commitments to Gender

Annex 3 National Gender Policy Results Management Framework; Equality The National Gender Policy closely aligns to several NSDP goals and indicators. The annual Cook Islands Constitution NSDP Indicator Report will provide one source of monitoring for key outcome areas identified The Cook Islands’ Constitution came into force 1964. In Section 64, it guarantees to all citizens equal rights below; without regard to sex. Cook Islands Government National Policy on Women 1995 The development of the first National Policy on Women GENDER POLICY (1995) was driven by the CINCW and was an important piece of work that drove Government’s work over the OBJECTIVE NSDP INDICATOR TARGET OUTCOMES years on improving the status of our women. 1. A Gender Responsive The implementation of the National Women’s Policy has been an uphill battle for women in the Cook Islands. The Government advancing Improve the distribution of major obstacles encountered were the financial and capacity constraints of implementing bodies, which were 1.2 Gini Coefficient Reduction gender equality and wealth the SPS12 Unit and the CINCW. human rights 2. A society where Seven specific objectives were set out in the National Policy on Women, as follows: • Ensure women participate Women and Men actively equally in decision making at all levels • Foster closer working relations between government, non-government Increase the representation 9.1 Increase percentage of women participate in decision >30% organizations and the private sector • Enhance women’s roles by improving health and environment • Bring of women in politics political representatives making and Governance women’s issues into mainstream development process • Make women equal partners as contributors and systems beneficiaries of development within the family, community, and the nation. • Maintain and preserve those Advance gender equality in 9.3 Reduce Income disparity 1:1 pay parity cultural values/traditions that promote the status of women. • Uphold the Human Rights of women by improving the workplace between men and women their social, economic, political and cultural status in line with UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Promote fair employment 2.5 Employee wellbeing Index Improvement Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) by providing opportunities and support system for women’s multiple roles in society. Improved speed, 3. An enabling Improve broadband The objectives reflected in the 1995 National Policy on Women are still relevant today and there have been 5.1 Broadband connectivity Index reliability especially environment for the connectivity in the Pa Enua incremental gains over the last 10 years. For example, the current draft National Sustainable Development Plan full participation of women in our economic (2) expects to systematically mainstreamed gender issues into all the sectoral plans. The next step is to ensure Promote regular and reliable development 6.4 Transport connectivity Index that these provisions are maintained in the plan and the relevant budgetary allocations are provided by our transport government to ensure implementation of plans. Inclusive, equitable and % of population The National Policy on Women has recently been reviewed and the exercise brings to the fore the emerging quality education and 8.4 Develop a skilled workforce with vocational and issues that will be included in this National Policy on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. promote life-long learning tertiary qualifications opportunities Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) 7.1 Rate of premature deaths from Reduce NCDs Reduction CEDAW is the short name given to the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against NCDs Women. The Convention is commonly regarded as the international bill of rights for women. CEDAW was adopted Promote Sexual Health 7.3 Prevalence of STIs reduced Reduction in 1979 by members of the United Nations following decades of national, regional and international efforts to promote and protect the rights of the world’s women. Achieve healthier and longer 4. A society where All 7.5 Average life expectancy Improved lives The Cook Islands became a party to CEDAW in 1985, when New Zealand ratified the Convention. On the 11th of Women and Girls rights are respected, and can August 2006, the country acceded to CEDAW in its own right and on the 3rd of August 2007 at the 808th meeting 7.6 Active treatment of mental live healthier lifestyles Improve mental health care #cases supported of the Committee overseeing the implementation of CEDAW at the United Nations, Government presented its health cases initial report. Ratification and accession commit the Cook Islands Government to reviewing a host of domestic 9.4 Fit for purpose facilities and legislation in accordance with the articles adopted under CEDAW. Improve care of the inform, services for the infirm, elderly, and >90% A shadow country report prepared by Cook Islands non-government organizations preceded the presentation of elderly and disabled persons with disabilities on the initial report to the UN in January 2007. This report supplements the Government report by highlighting NGO 5. A society where All perspectives on the nature of the Government’s commitments to implement the Convention through legislation, Improve access to justice 16.1 Justice Accessibility Index Increase policies and resource allocation. Women and Girls are protected from all forms of discrimination and Support effective corrective 16.4 Reduce reoffending rates Reduction violence Services 48 49 Beijing Platform for Action (BPA) Convention on the Rights of the Child. (CRC) Pacific Islands member states, including the Cook Islands Government, participating at the Beijing Fourth World The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the first legally binding international instrument to incorporate the Conference on Women in Beijing in September 1995, approved the Beijing Platform for Action (BPA) aimed at full range of human rights—civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. In 1989, world leaders decided establishing priority actions at the threshold of the new millennium. Of the 12 critical areas of concern in the that children needed a special convention just for them because people under 18 years old often need special BPA, one of which is Women in Power and Decision Making, governments agreed to take measures to ensure care and protection that adults do not. The leaders also wanted to make sure that the world recognized that women’s equal access to and full participation in power structures and decision-making setting specific targets children have human rights too. and implementing measures to substantially increase the number of women with a view to achieving equal The Convention sets out these rights in 54 articles and two Optional Protocols. It spells out the basic human representation of women and men, if necessary, through positive action. This can be viewed at the UN Website, rights that children everywhere have: the right to survival; to develop to the fullest; to protection from harmful Division of the Advancement of Women, Department of Economic and Social Affairs. influences, abuse and exploitation; and to participate fully in family, cultural and social life. The four core principles Pacific Platform for Action (PPA) of the Convention are non-discrimination; devotion to the best interests of the child; the right to life, survival and The 22 Pacific Island governments and territories, including the Cook Islands Government, through the Sixth development; and respect for the views of the child. Every right spelled out in the Convention is inherent to the regional Conference of Pacific Women and the Ministerial Conference on Women and Sustainable Development, human dignity and harmonious development of every child. The Convention protects children’s rights by setting both held in Noumea in May 1994, which unanimously approved the standards in health care; education; and legal, civil and social services. Pacific Platform for Action (PPA) and agreed that women’s development should become a top priority for all Role of women: Women in their various roles play a critical part in the well-being of children. The enhancement of Pacific Island governments and administrations. The PPA identified 13 critical areas of concern, one of which the status of women and their equal access to education, training, credit and other extension services constitute was Shared Decision Making, where governments agreed to take action to promote women in elected political a valuable contribution to a nation’s social and economic development. Efforts for the enhancement of women’s offices and appointed decision-making positions, attaining the 30% target set by the UN Economic and Social status and their role in development must begin with the girl child. Equal opportunity should be provided for the Council (ECOSOC). girl child to benefit from the health, nutrition, education and other basic services to enable her to grow to her full potential. Pacific Platform for Action, Rethinking Sustainable Development for Pacific Women towards the Year 2000, produced by the Pacific Women’s Resource Bureau, South Pacific Commission [renamed Secretariat of the Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disability. (CRPD) Pacific Community]. The Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol was adopted on 13 Pacific Plan (PP) December 2006 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, and was opened for signature on 30 March 2007. There were 82 signatories to the Convention, 44 signatories to the Optional Protocol, and 1 ratification In 2004, Pacific Leaders, through the Auckland Declaration, noted that the serious challenges facing the of the Convention. This is the highest number of signatories in history to a UN Convention on its opening day. It countries of the Pacific called for the development of a ‘Pacific Plan’ to strengthen regional cooperation and is the first comprehensive human rights treaty of the 21st century and is the first human rights convention to integration as the main instrument for realizing their Pacific Vision. The Pacific Plan established four priority be open for signature by regional integration organizations. The Convention entered into force on 3 May 2008. goals: economic growth, sustainable development, good governance and security. Improved gender equality is a cross-cutting strategic objective in the Pacific Plan. The Commonwealth Plan of Action On the 8th of May 2009, The Cook Islands ratified the Convention and also the Protocol. The country initial report is due in 2011. The Commonwealth Plan of Action 2005-2015 was agreed to at the 7th Commonwealth Ministers Responsible for Women’s/Gender Affairs Meeting (7WAMM) held in Fiji in May 2004. The Plan established a target of at least Women and girls with disabilities 30% of women in decision-making in the political, public and private sectors. The Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities recognizes that women and girls with disabilities UN SC R1325 on Women, Peace and Security Adopted by the UN Security Council at its 4213th are often at greater risk, both within and outside the home, of violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent meeting, on 31 October 2000 treatment, maltreatment or exploitation. To address this concern, the Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities has also taken a two-track approach to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of The resolution calls for increase in the number of women at decision-making levels in national, regional and women with disabilities. It has as one of its principle’s equality between men and women, (Article 3 (g)) and it international institutions involved in preventing, managing, and resolving conflicts, increased participation of devotes an article to women with disabilities (see Article 6). women at decision-making levels in conflict resolution and peace processes, ensure that a gender component is included in field peacekeeping operations, provide training guidelines and materials on (1) the protection, rights, and needs of women, the importance of involving women in peacekeeping and peace-building measures, adopt a gender perspective when negotiating & implementing peace agreements in areas like: • Special needs of women and girls during repatriation and resettlement and for rehabilitation, reintegration and post-conflict reconstruction. • Support local women’s peace initiatives and indigenous processes for conflict resolution and involve women in all of the peace agreement implementation mechanisms. • Ensure the protection of and respect for human rights of women and girls, particularly relating to the constitution, electoral system, the police and judiciary. 50 51 GLOSSARY GENDER EQUITY: Refers to the fair and just distribution of all means of opportunities and resources between women It is important for the reader to become familiar with the terms identified in this policy by referring first and men. to the glossary below. GENDER ISSUES: Arise when the relationships between women and men, their roles, privileges, status and positions EMPOWERMENT: Refers to the process of “conscientisation” which builds critical analytical skills for an individual to are identified and analysed. Gender issues arise where inequalities and inequities are shown to exist between people gain self-confidence in order to take control of her or his life. Empowerment of women is an essential process in the purely on the basis of their being female or male. The fact that gender and gender differences are socially constructed transformation of gender relations because it addresses the structural and underlying causes of subordination and is itself a primary issue to deal with. discrimination. GENDER MAINSTREAMING: Refers to a process that is goal oriented. It recognises that most institutions consciously EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY: Refers to a fundamental human right embedded in the Constitution of the Cook Islands. and unconsciously serve the interests of men and encourages institutions to adopt a gender perspective in transforming This Gender Policy Framework aims towards the achievement of equality of opportunity, in access to and share of themselves. It promotes the full participation of women in decision-making so that women’s needs move from the employment opportunities, services and resources as well as in equality of treatment by employers and service providers. margins to the centre of development planning and resource allocation. EQUALITY OF TREATMENT: Refers to meeting the specific and distinct needs of different social categories of women GENDER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (GMS) Refers to a holistic and system-wide approach to gender mainstreaming and men. This can often involve special programmes and the commitment of additional resources, for example in the developed by the Commonwealth for the use of governments in partnership with other stakeholders, including civil case of women and men with disabilities. Equality of treatment does not mean treating all men and all women in exactly society and the private sector. In this policy framework, it refers to a comprehensive network of structures, mechanisms the same way (i.e. in a gender-blind fashion) as this would only serve to perpetuate existing disparities. and processes to enable government and other organisations to contribute to gender equality. GENDER: In this policy framework document, refers to the social roles allocated respectively to women and to men GENDER PERSPECTIVE: Refers to an approach in which the ultimate goal is to create equity and equality between in particular societies and at particular times. Such roles, and the differences between them, are conditioned by a women and men. Such an approach has a set of tools for and guidelines on how to identify the impact on development variety of political, economic, ideological and cultural factors and are characterised in most societies by unequal power of the relations and roles of women and men. relations. Gender is distinguished from sex which is biologically determined. GENDER RESPONSIVE: Refers to a planning process in which programmes and policy actions are developed to deal with GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT (GAD): Refers to a planning process which is based on an analysis of the different and counteract problems which arise out of socially constructed differences between women and men. situations and needs of women and men. It aims at creating gender equity and equality between women and men. A gender and development perspective recognise the importance of the relations between women and men. GENDER SENSITIVE: Refers to the state of knowledge of the socially constructed differences between women and men, including differences in their needs, as well as to the use of such knowledge to identify and understand the problems GENDER ANALYSIS: refers to gender analysis as the study of socially determined inequalities within women and men. arising from such differences and to act purposefully to address them. Gender analysis entails studying “gender biases” which perpetuate gender inequalities in all sectors of society. PRACTICAL GENDER NEEDS: Refers to the needs identified to help women cope better in their existing subordinate GENDER AWARENESS: Refers to a state of knowledge of the differences in roles and relations of women and men and positions. Practical needs are related largely to issues of welfare and do not challenges the existing gender division of how this results in differences in power relations, status, privileges and needs. labour or to women’s subordinate positions in society. GENDER DEVELOPMENT INDEX (GDI): Refers to an index which uses some of the same variables as the HDI (see STRATEGIC GENDER NEEDS: Refers to needs which are identified as necessary to transform the existing unequal below), viz life expectancy, educational attainment and real GDP, but which goes further to take into account inequality relations between women and men. Addressing women’s strategic gender needs expedites women’s empowerment in achievement between women and men. and facilitates the fundamental social transformation necessary for establishment of gender equality. GENDER EMPOWERMENT MEASURE (GEM): Refers to a measure which examines whether women and men are able SUBSTANTIVE EQUALITY: Refers to a stage of real equality underpinned by equality of opportunity, access and treatment to actively participate in economic and political life and to take part in decision-making. The GEM focuses on the between women and men. respective capabilities of women and men to take advantage of the opportunities of life. WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT: Refers to a planning process in which the importance of women’s needs in development GENDER EQUALITY: Refers to a situation where women and men have equal conditions for realizing their full human is the major focus. rights and potential; are able to contribute equally to national political, economic, social and cultural development; and benefit equally from the results. Gender Equality entails that the underlying causes of discrimination are systematically identified and removed in order to give women and men equal opportunities. The concept of Gender Equality, as used in this policy framework, takes into account women’s existing subordinate positions within social relations and aims at the restructuring of society so as to eradicate male domination. Therefore, equality is understood to include both formal equality and substantive equality; not merely simple equality to men. 52 53 BIBLIOGRAPHY Pacific Community (SPC). (2017, October 5). Pacific Platform for Action on Gender Equality and Cook Islands Government. (2007). CEDAW Report - 39th Session. Rarotonga : Cook Islands Womens human Rights 2018 - 2030. Pacific Community. Government. Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. (2016, August). Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration. Cook Islands Government. (2011). Cook Islands Census Report . Rarotonga : Cook Islands Suva, Fiji: PIFS. Government. 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