Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality, Stephanie Copus Campbell, is visiting the Cook Islands from April 11–15 to discuss issues including the elimination of gender-based violence, economic equality and security, health and political participation.

Phoebe Smith, the Australian High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, in a statement said Campbell is the lead advocate for Australia’s work on gender equality and the human rights of women and girls, and her position reflects Australia’s priority of achieving gender equality – “it is central to our diplomatic, economic, development, humanitarian and security efforts”.

The visit will include discussions with senior leaders across community and government, and roundtables with civil society advocates helping to progress gender equality. Topics of discussion will include the elimination of gender-based violence, economic equality and security, health and political participation.

“Gender equality is an important element of our work together. Australia’s formal partnership with Cook Islands is enshrined in the Cook Islands - Australia ‘Oa Tumanava partnership, meaning ‘enduring friendship’. Among several pillars, we share a commitment to gender equality, as a goal in its own right and as a means to achieving greater prosperity and building closer institutional linkages,” Smith said.

Australia is working with the Cook Islands through regional and local initiatives.

Through Pacific Women Lead, a five-year, AU$170 million (NZ$185m) flagship regional gender equality programme, Australia has provided funding to the International Planned Parenthood Foundation to support sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) across nine Pacific countries, including in Cook Islands.

In partnership with the Cook Islands Family Welfare Association, Australia is supporting the prevention and reduction of cervical cancer in the Cook Islands.

At the grassroots level, the Australian High Commission has supported initiatives to strengthen maternal health and women’s economic empowerment, through a partnership with the Cook Islands Child Welfare Association and Nui to delivery antenatal education in the community, and with the Araki Growers and Fishing Association to provide economic opportunities for women in Atiu in the flower growing industry.

During the visit, the Ambassador will also represent Australia at the inaugural Anuanua festival, to mark one year since homosexuality was decriminalised in the Cook Islands.

“The Australian High Commission is a proud sponsor of the festival opening and the wearable arts competition, through our community grants programme.”