(Commonwealth_ Last month, Samoa had the honor of hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The event commenced with multiple forums dedicated to women, youth, people, and business. Among these, the Commonwealth Women’s Forum (CWF) stood out, bringing together approximately 400 delegates under the theme, Collective Action for a Resilient Commonwealth: Solidarity for Gender Equality.
The CWF aimed to explore critical challenges and opportunities in advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality across the Commonwealth. Delegates engaged in meaningful discussions on women’s leadership, economic empowerment, and climate finance, offering valuable insights into these pressing issues.
Women’s Leadership, Economic Empowerment, and Climate Finance
Despite progress in legislative reforms, women continue to face systemic barriers in realizing leadership ambitions across various sectors. Persistent issues such as patriarchy, misogyny, biases, and gender-based violence—including technology-facilitated abuse—limit opportunities for women in both public and private leadership roles.
CWF panellists emphasised the need to support women in leadership and ensure their voices are included in peace and security efforts. Promoting female representation in decision-making roles not only benefits gender equity but also enriches societal outcomes through diverse perspectives.
The forum also highlighted the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs, particularly in accessing finance. Systemic barriers often prevent women from securing the investment needed to grow their businesses. Addressing these obstacles is critical for fostering women-led enterprises, reducing poverty, and driving inclusive economic growth. Women entrepreneurs bring innovative solutions, tap into new markets, and export goods and services, contributing to a thriving economy.
To support women effectively, interventions by development partners, governments, and policymakers must focus on working with communities and addressing factors such as location, literacy levels, and access to technology. Engaging women to the point where they are comfortable and motivated to take necessary steps is key to achieving impactful and sustainable outcomes.
In a talanoa (conversation) between Samoa’s Prime Minister, Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa, and Tuvalu’s Prime Minister, Hon. Feleti Penitala Teo, it was emphasized that women, youth, children, and persons with disabilities must be central to global, regional, and national strategies for sustainable development and climate resilience. This inclusive approach is essential to building a resilient and equitable future.
The CWF provided valuable insights into the critical issues affecting gender equality and highlighted actionable strategies for promoting gender equity, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI). These lessons will undoubtedly inform and improve ongoing initiatives to advance equality in various fields.
Promoting Female Leadership in Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs)
In line with advancing gender equality, efforts are underway to promote female leadership within Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs). As detailed in a previous blog post on establishing a community of women in audit, a Community of Practice (CoP) has been developed. This initiative allows women working in SAIs to connect virtually, share insights, and support one another’s professional growth.
The October CoP session focused on the experiences of female graduates in SAIs, addressing key areas such as induction processes, mentorship, and cultural challenges. The session, attended by 27 participants, delved into a variety of topics, including:
Robust induction programs, supportive and flexible work environments, and continuous professional development (CPD) offer significant advantages.
Challenges such as managing priorities, maintaining work–life balance, and developing public speaking skills are critical for public accountability.
Advice for new graduates, highlighting the importance of mentorship, CPD opportunities, and confidence-building to navigate workplace pressures effectively.
Participants also praised the welcoming and supportive culture within SAIs, which provides access to mentors and networking opportunities. However, they identified areas for improvement, such as comprehensive training on legislation and cultural protocols. They recommended extended induction programs to better prepare graduates for the complexities of audit work and engagements with senior government officials.
