The Australian Government will invest a further $25 million over five years to strengthen frontline services in the Pacific as part our ongoing commitment to end gender-based violence.
Gender-based violence impacts two out of three Pacific women - more than double the global average, with lasting effects including injuries, disability, unwanted pregnancies, disease and lost productivity.
Pacific Strong: Amplifying Action to End Violence Against Women and Girls (PAVE) is a five-year initiative to expand and strengthen essential response services to support survivors of gender-based violence.
PAVE will partner with 11 crisis centres across 9 Pacific island countries in the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Quotes attributable to Foreign Minister Penny Wong:
"Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we reaffirm that every woman and girl in our region has the right to live free from fear and violence.
"Violence against women and girls undermines communities, economies and long-term security. By strengthening frontline services through PAVE, Australia is helping build safer families and more resilient societies across our region.
"This investment reflects our commitment to Pacific-led solutions and shows that supporting women's safety is not only the right thing to do, but in Australia's national interest."
Quotes attributable to Pacific Island Affairs Minister Pat Conroy:
"The additional investment from Australia will provide support to survivors of violence and reflects our commitment to end gender-based violence and create safer environments for all.
"Australia stands firmly with the Pacific in efforts to prevent violence against women and girls and we will continue to join Pacific voices on the issues that matter most to our region.
Quotes attributable to International Development Minister Anne Aly:
"All women and girls, no matter where they live, should be able to live life free from gender-based violence."
"No one should live in fear or in violence, which is why we're investing in Pacific-led programs to strengthen response services that support survivors of gender-based violence."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Pacific Island Affairs Minister Nita Green:
"Australia's increased investment in survivor services and prevention underpins our commitment to safer, healthier communities at home and across the Pacific - changing lives for the better.
"Addressing the disproportionately high rates of gender-based violence requires a concerted, comprehensive and long-term effort and investment".
